A Toppenish man has been sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison for assaulting federal officers and firearm offenses. Leland James Vijarro, 26, received a sentence of 198 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to the charges. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke handed down the sentence.
Court documents show that on February 8, 2024, Vijarro broke into his brother’s home in Toppenish and stole thirteen firearms and a suppressor. Two days later, law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire coming from Vijarro’s vehicle in Toppenish. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Vijarro fled and barricaded himself inside a nearby house. During the standoff, he fired six shots from one of the stolen handguns at law enforcement officers stationed across the street. Two Yakima County Sheriff’s Office police vehicles were damaged during the incident as officers took cover behind them. Vijarro later retreated to another residence before surrendering.
At sentencing, Assistant United States Attorney Bree Black Horse said the defendant “possessed over a decade of criminal convictions and arrests characterized by assaults, arson, firearm offenses, thefts, and domestic violence crimes.” Black Horse argued for a lengthy sentence based on “the defendant’s criminal history, gang affiliation, and the circumstances surrounding the offense,” stating that “the defendant is a clear threat to public safety on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation.” She also noted it was fortunate no law enforcement officers were injured or killed during the incident and added that “a significant custodial sentence will ensure the public is protected as long as possible from further violent crimes perpetrated by the defendant.”
The court cited Vijarro’s escalating violent behavior as justification for imposing a lengthy prison term and thanked Yakima County Sheriff’s Office officers present at sentencing for their continued 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 thanks to AUSA Black Horse for her work on the case.
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Seattle, stated: “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. 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 also remarked: “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,” highlighting ongoing cooperation with federal agencies.
The investigation was led by the FBI with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorney Bree R. Black Horse.
