BISMARCK, ND – Eric Obregon Jr., 32, of Williston, North Dakota, will spend the next 15 years in federal prison after a brazen attempt to evade police turned into a shooting. U.S. District Court Judge Daniel M. Traynor handed down the sentence on May 2, 2024, following Obregon’s guilty plea to Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon. This isn’t his first rodeo with gun charges; Obregon was already on probation for a prior prohibited possession conviction when he escalated things with gunfire.
The trouble started December 9, 2022, when Williston police responded to a vehicle partially blocking an intersection at 2nd Avenue West and 42nd Street West. Officers quickly recognized the driver as Eric Obregon, a man already wanted on outstanding warrants. When approached, Obregon didn’t comply. He shoved an officer and bolted, initiating a foot chase that quickly became dangerous. Officers repeatedly ordered Obregon to show his hands, but instead, he pulled a firearm and opened fire at the pursuing officers.
The officers returned fire, striking Obregon in the leg, but that didn’t stop him. He continued to fire as he ran around a building, escalating the threat. After additional units arrived and secured the scene, a Smith and Wesson M&P Shield 9mm handgun was recovered near Obregon, along with a magazine containing two rounds in his pocket. The fact that Obregon was already a convicted felon made the situation exponentially more serious.
“This is a just sentence for someone who violently put law enforcement lives at risk,” stated United States Attorney Mac Schneider. “Thanks to the courage and skill of the Williston Police Department, this individual was neutralized and brought to federal court to face justice.” Schneider emphasized the office’s commitment to aggressively prosecuting felons in possession of firearms, removing violent offenders from the community.
Williston Police Chief David A. Peterson echoed that sentiment, praising the collaborative effort between local and federal agencies. “The Williston Police Department believes in the partnerships we have created with the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Peterson said. “Ultimately, I am extremely thankful our Officers were able to go home to their families.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. added, “Obregon’s choice to fire upon law enforcement officers was an egregious assault on their lives.”
The investigation was a joint effort between the Williston Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney David Hagler prosecuted the case. Obregon will also face three years of supervised release after serving his 15-year sentence. The message is clear: pulling a gun on law enforcement in North Dakota, especially with a prior record, will land you a long stretch in federal prison.
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Key Facts
- State: North Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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