Yakima, Washington – Leland James Vijarro, a 26-year-old resident of Toppenish, Washington, has pled guilty to assault and firearm charges in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. The charges stem from an incident where Vijarro shot at federal officers.
Court documents and details from the change-of-plea hearing revealed that on February 10, 2024, law enforcement responded to reports of two vehicles exchanging gunfire in Toppenish. Upon stopping one vehicle, Vijarro fled the scene with a .45 caliber pistol and sought refuge in a nearby home.
Law enforcement established a perimeter around the residence. Later that night, Vijarro fired multiple shots at officers from the backyard before surrendering after barricading himself inside another home. The incident took place on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation; however, Vijarro is not an enrolled member.
At his hearing, Vijarro admitted to deliberately shooting at law enforcement officers. Acting United States Attorney Rich Barker stated, "Firing at law enforcement officers is an intolerable act of violence that puts lives at risk and undermines public safety." He praised the involved officers for their professionalism.
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office added, “During Police Week, we are especially reminded of how law enforcement place themselves daily in harm’s way to protect us."
United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke accepted Vijarro's plea with sentencing scheduled for August 11, 2025. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted this case's investigation with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Bree R. Black Horse.
