YAKIMA, WA – A 26-year-old Toppenish man has been sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison for firing at law enforcement officers during a 2024 standoff, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington.
Leland James Vijarro pleaded guilty to assaulting federal officers and multiple firearm charges. U.S. District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced him to 198 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Prosecutors said the incident began on February 8, 2024, when Vijarro broke into his brother’s home in Toppenish and stole 13 firearms and a suppressor. Two days later, law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire from Vijarro’s vehicle. After fleeing a traffic stop, he barricaded himself in a nearby home.
While officers set up a perimeter, Vijarro went into the backyard and fired six shots from one of the stolen guns, aiming most of them at law enforcement positioned across the street. Two Yakima County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles were struck by gunfire. Vijarro later moved to another residence and surrendered several hours later.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bree Black Horse told the court that Vijarro’s criminal history included assaults, arson, firearm offenses, thefts, and domestic violence, and that his gang affiliation and actions during the incident showed he was a significant threat to public safety on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation. She noted it was “fortunate” no officers were injured.
Judge Dimke cited Vijarro’s escalating violent behavior in imposing the lengthy sentence, stating it was necessary to protect the community.
U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano praised the work of law enforcement and prosecutors, calling Vijarro’s actions “violent and reckless.” FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington said the case was part of Operation Summer Heat, a national initiative targeting violent criminals. Yakima County Sheriff Robert Udell thanked federal prosecutors for their efforts, noting the strong partnership between local and federal agencies.
The FBI led the investigation, and the case was prosecuted by AUSA Bree R. Black Horse
