Angel Omar Zuniga-Soriano, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Washington 2024

Yakima, Washington – An 18-year-old man who led law enforcement on a high-speed chase through multiple cities in central Washington was sentenced to 12 years in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Angel Omar Zuniga-Soriano, age 18, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke on one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Judge Dimke also imposed 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on June 29, 2024, Zuniga-Soriano was driving a vehicle matching the description of a vehicle used in a robbery earlier that same day in Wapato, Washington. When a police officer in Toppenish, Washington, spotted the vehicle, he activated his overhead lights and attempted to stop the vehicle.

Instead, Zuniga-Soriano sped off and led police on a high-speed chase. He drove on the busy interstate between Toppenish, Sunnyside, and Zillah at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour. During the pursuit, Zuniga-Soriano fired one bullet out of the driver’s side window.

Ultimately, Zuniga-Soriano pulled into a convenience store parking lot in Zillah, attempting to drive through the lot. In an effort to reduce risk to the public, a law enforcement officer then rammed his police vehicle into the vehicle Zuniga-Soriano was driving. As a result, the sergeant driving the police vehicle was injured.

Even still, Zuniga-Soriano was undeterred. He took off running, throwing a Glock pistol into a nearby yard. After a lengthy foot pursuit, law enforcement tackled Zuniga-Soriano in a nearby field. When the Glock pistol was recovered, law enforcement observed that the gun had a “Glock switch,” which is a modification that attaches to the rear of a Glock handgun and is designed to convert it from semi-automatic firearm into an automatic machine gun.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Dimke pointed out that despite Zuniga-Soriano only being 18 years of age, this was his third firearm conviction. Judge Dimke also explained that she took into account the dangerousness of the instant offense in pronouncing the twelve-year sentence.

“The seriousness and nature of this offense cannot be understated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “I am grateful for the courage of the brave law enforcement officers, who ensured Mr. Zuniga-Soriano would not escape apprehension that day. Obviously firing a gun from a vehicle is extremely dangerous. However, attempting to elude police officers at such high rates of speed on public roadways presents an equally dangerous risk to our citizens.

Defendant: Angel Omar Zuniga-Soriano

Criminal Charges: Felon in Possession of a Firearm

City and State: Yakima, Washington

Exact Date: June 29, 2024

Sentence: 144 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwa/pr/18-year-old-man-who-led-law-enforcement-dangerous-high-speed-chase-sentenced-12-years