Leland James Vijarro, 26, of Toppenish, Washington, has been sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to assaulting federal officers and firearms charges. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke ordered a sentence of 198 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release.
Court records show that on February 8, 2024, Vijarro broke into his brother’s home and stole thirteen firearms and a suppressor. Two days later, law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire from Vijarro’s vehicle in Toppenish. During the stop, Vijarro fled and barricaded himself inside a nearby house. He then went into the backyard and fired six shots from one of the stolen handguns at law enforcement officers who had set up a perimeter across the street. Two marked Yakima County Sheriff’s Office vehicles were damaged by gunfire as officers shielded themselves behind them. Vijarro eventually retreated to another residence before surrendering hours later.
At sentencing, Assistant United States Attorney Bree Black Horse stated that the defendant “possessed over a decade of criminal convictions and arrests characterized by assaults, arson, firearm offenses, thefts, and domestic violence crimes.” She argued for the lengthy sentence based on his criminal history and gang affiliation: “the defendant’s criminal history, gang affiliation, and the circumstances surrounding the offense demonstrate that the defendant is a clear threat to public safety on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation.” Black Horse also noted it was “fortunate in this case that no law enforcement officers were injured or killed as a result of the defendant’s conduct” and said that a significant custodial sentence “will ensure the public is protected as long as possible from further violent crimes perpetrated by the defendant.”
Judge Dimke emphasized Vijarro’s escalating violent behavior when imposing the sentence and explained that such a term was necessary for community protection. The court also thanked YCSO officers present at sentencing for their service.
U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano commented: “Mr. Vijarro’s actions were violent and reckless. I am grateful for the brave men and women in law enforcement who put their own lives at risk to arrest him,” adding appreciation for AUSA Black Horse’s work: “this is another example of the men and women of our office holding violent offenders accountable who are a danger to our community.”
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Seattle, remarked: “During two days of volatile and dangerous activities, Mr. Vijarro entered several houses that did not belong to him, including his own brother’s, to steal firearms and evade capture by law enforcement,” continuing: “Even worse, he used one of the stolen guns to shoot at law enforcement officers attempting to contain the situation. This case is an example of the FBI’s commitment to combatting violent criminals and gangs, as emphasized in Operation Summer Heat, a nationwide initiative targeting violent criminals and restoring safety in our communities.”
Sheriff Robert Udell said: “On Feb 10, 2024, law enforcement officers and deputies were lucky to escape injury when they encountered Mr. Vijarro. A violent offender whose actions were without regard to anyone’s safety, we are grateful for the successful prosecution by AUSA Black Horse and her team,” adding that partnerships with federal agencies continue to benefit Yakima County public safety.
The FBI investigated this case; Assistant United States Attorney Bree R. Black Horse prosecuted it.
