A Southern Ute Trial Ranger who fatally shot a wanted man last November while responding to a potential trespassing incident on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation was justified, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of Colorado announced Thursday. 

The attorney’s office reviewed the results of an investigation performed by the FBI that included witness accounts, recorded radio communication of law enforcement, and reports from the responding paramedics, La Plata County Sheriff’s Office, Southern Ute Police Department, Southern Ute Tribal Rangers and Colorado State Patrol. 

“The loss of any life is tragic. And when it comes at the hands of law enforcement, the FBI and my office are committed to thoroughly investigating and reviewing such incidents. ” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn in a media release. “Here, the evidence demonstrates that the Tribal Ranger’s actions were clearly justified under the self-defense doctrine.”

The United States had jurisdictional rights over the investigation because of the location of the shooting and because an Alaskan native was involved, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 

The unidentified Tribal Ranger responded to a potential trespassing report on tribal land near Weaselskin Bridge, about 10 miles south of Durango, officials said. 

The ranger spotted an occupied SUV and investigated the situation and found a male in the driver’s seat and a female passenger, according to the release.

The driver was identified by the Durango Hearld as 53-year-old George Sands.

According to the media release, Sands gave the ranger a false name and date of birth, and after contacting dispatch, the ranger was told that was a known alias used by Sands, who had an outstanding felony warrant. 

Moments later, Sands ran back to the vehicle and attempted to grab a large knife that was strapped to the door of the SUV, but then retrieved a replica handgun. 

Sands pointed the replica gun in the direction of law enforcement, which caused the ranger to fire six rounds into Sands, which killed him, according to the release. 

Officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office say there was no indication of an orange end cap or other markings that made the replica weapon distinguishable from a real gun. 

“Based on the available evidence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office concluded that no criminal charges against the Tribal Ranger are warranted,” officials said. 

“Under federal law, a person may resort to self-defense if he or she reasonably believes that he or she is in imminent danger of death or great bodily harm, thus necessitating an in-kind response.”