US Attorney Beth Phillips has presented the prestigious Guardian of Justice Award to five officers from the Saint Joseph Police Department and Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department.

Phillips says Detective Sergeant Eric Protzman, Detectives Steve McClintick and Shane Luikart, Officer Jason Strong, and Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Tiger Parsons distinguished themselves during their arrest of an armed federal fugitive and violent offender who fired upon the officers before he was taken into custody.

Christopher A. Punzo was armed with two loaded weapons when he barricaded himself in a small bedroom of a Saint Joseph residence. The Buchanan County/St. Joseph Police Department Special Response Team responded to the scene, but Punzo resisted hostage negotiators attempts to peacefully arrest him. He also shot at the officers, wounding Strong in the leg before they took him into custody.

The Guardian of Justice Award recognizes investigative excellence, selfless collaboration, tireless trial support, commendable diligence and professionalism, and noteworthy assistance to prosecution.