RICHLAND, WA — A Kennewick man was sentenced Friday to 15 years in federal prison after a 2025 carjacking and high-speed pursuit in Benton County.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, 29-year-old Hector David Flores was convicted of carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He will also serve five years of supervised release.
Court documents state deputies spotted Flores driving near the Duportail Bridge in Richland on June 10, 2025. After spike strips disabled his vehicle, Flores allegedly approached a driver for a ride before pulling a loaded firearm and forcing the victim to continue driving when deputies attempted a stop. The driver was able to escape safely and alert law enforcement.
Authorities said Flores then stole the truck and led deputies on a dangerous pursuit before deputies used a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle.
Investigators recovered three loaded firearms, including one reported stolen, along with methamphetamine, fentanyl, drug packaging materials, a scale and cash from the vehicle.
The case was investigated by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Richland Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
