Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that Filiberto Santana, aged 34, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for assaulting two federal officers. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian also ordered three years of supervised release. The incident occurred when the Columbia River Drug Task Force sought assistance from the United States Marshals Service to apprehend Santana, who had pending state arrest warrants.
According to court records, a US Marshals Service Task Force Officer located Santana and a female at a Wenatchee, Washington, "Park and Ride" while they sat in a stolen vehicle. As law enforcement closed in, the female in the driver's seat attempted to flee. Santana, initially non-compliant, rolled up his window and appeared to search for an object, prompting officers to break a rear window for visibility and access. Despite warnings to stop, both occupants resisted, even as officers deployed tasers that proved ineffective due to the suspects' heavy clothing.
Eventually, Santana pointed a spray bottle at officers, striking them with an unknown liquid. Officers initially mistook the bottle for a firearm due to Santana's grip on it. After Santana sprayed a Deputy US Marshal and another Task Force Officer, he attempted an escape through a window but was subdued and arrested. The spray, identified as an interior detailing liquid, irritated the officers' eyes and lung passages, causing temporary discomfort.
Agents discovered stolen items in the vehicle, including a Ruger handgun and ammunition. "Everyday law enforcement officers take on tremendous dangers; yet, they put their lives on the line to protect our communities," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker.
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, further noted the dangers officers face, commending their resolution and professionalism. U.S. Marshal Craig Thayer emphasized that capturing fugitives entails significant risks and that reasonable force is applied to ensure public safety and legal compliance.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Columbia River Drug Task Force.
