ALAMOSA — While p a r t i c i p a t i n g i n a peaceful protest on the evening of June 4, 27-year-old James Marshall allegedly shot a man in his vehicle as he drove by. Marshall was released on bail from Alamosa County jail last week. Hours after the incident at Main Street, a p p r o x i m a t e l y 8 : 4 0 p.m., Alamosa Police D e p a r t m e n t p l a c e d Marshall into custody. Marshall was charged with attempted 2nd Degree murder, 1st Degree assault, reckless endangerment, felony menacing, criminal mischief, illegal discharge of a firearm and prohibited use of a weapon.

The victim has since b e e n i d e n t i f i e d a s 49-year-old Canon City resident, Danny Pruitt. Pruitt was initially treated at San Luis Valley Health for a gunshot wound and was later flown to UC Health Memorial in Colorado Springs. According to Pruitt’s niece, Alyssa Hatcher, he is stable condition. Doctors will be monitoring his recovery over the next week.

On June 6, Hatcher created a GoFundMe campaign for the Pruitt family. Pruitt is reportedly a disabled veteran, father to a young daughter. So far the Go - FundMe campaign’s $100,000 goal has been met and exceeded. To donate, visit: https:// www.gofundme.com/f/ disabled-veteranshot-in-back-of-headby-protester?utm_ source=facebook&utm_ medium=social&utm_ campaign=p_cp+sharesheet.

Protests have erupted nationwide in response to the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police. While across the country many protests have become violent, the handful of Alamo - sa protests have remained peaceful, until June 5. L o c a l o r g a n i z e r , Emily, expressed the protesting community’s outrage at Marshall’s unnecessary, violent actions: “The grassroots movement, which organized the events that took place in Alamosa, does not condone this violence,” she said. “The man who performed this unimaginable action does not reflect the values of myself or any of the other attendees.”

Protestors on June 4 did not recognize Marshall, uncertain he had been present at previous demonstrations. Emily recalls noticing something “odd” about Marshall’s demeanor. She explained, “His persona was off from the cohesion of the groups I had experienced at the other events.” All previous attendees had maintained the peace, “Even when passersby would yell out profanities or use inappropriate hand gestures.” During the June 4 protest, Emily said Marshall had “a somewhat aggressive demeanor and would often speak over myself and the other young women who were leading the chants.”

Just a day after the shooting, Marshall was released on bail – resulting in outcries from the community. The Alamosa Sherriff’s Office issued a response on Facebook: “Bond was set at $60,000 and Mr. Marshall was financially able to post that bond. Mr. Marshall chose to exercise his constitutional right and posted his bond to get out of jail. This is the same right available to all American citizens.

“According to the United States Constitution and the Colorado Constitution, every person arrested for any crime is entitled to have a monetary bond set based upon the crime committed. When a person is arrested, they are processed at the County Jail and bond is set according to a bond schedule that is set by the Colorado Judicial Branch.

“We recognize that this type of crime and these types of allegations are concerning to the citizens of this community. Please understand that the Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement take your concerns very seriously.”

To read the whole message be sure to visit the Alamosa Sheriff Department Facebook page. Marshall’s is scheduled for a Filing of Charges on June 15 at 9 a.m.