YAKIMA, WA — Angel Omar Zuniga-Soriano, 18, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm following a high-speed chase and gunfire incident in June 2024. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke also imposed three years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented during sentencing, Zuniga-Soriano, associated with the Sureno street gang, was driving a vehicle matching the description of one used in a robbery earlier the same day. A Toppenish police officer attempted a traffic stop, prompting Zuniga-Soriano to flee at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour between Toppenish, Sunnyside, and Zillah. During the pursuit, he fired a bullet out of the vehicle’s driver-side window.
The chase ended when an officer rammed the vehicle in a Zillah convenience store parking lot to protect public safety. The officer was injured in the collision. Zuniga-Soriano fled on foot, discarding a modified Glock pistol into a yard. He was apprehended after a lengthy foot pursuit. The firearm was equipped with a “Glock switch,” enabling it to function as an automatic weapon. A test later confirmed it could fire multiple rounds with a single trigger pull.
During a post-arrest interview, Zuniga-Soriano made several statements, claiming he intended to commit suicide during the pursuit and denying intent to shoot at law enforcement. He later changed his explanation, stating he tried to disassemble the weapon, which caused it to discharge.
Judge Dimke noted this was Zuniga-Soriano’s third firearm conviction despite his age and cited the seriousness of the offense in determining the sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker and FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington both commended the bravery of law enforcement and emphasized the danger posed by Zuniga-Soriano’s actions.
The case was investigated by the Southeast Washington Safe Streets Task Force, which includes members of the FBI, U.S. Border Patrol, and several local law enforcement agencies. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas J. Hanlon.
