PHOENIX, Ariz. (LAWFUEL)) – Nicholas Villareal, 26, of Laveen, Ariz. was sentenced in federal court on September 10, 2008, to 78 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Mary Murguia. Villareal had pleaded guilty on April 3, 2008 to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
The facts showed that on January 17, 2006, Phoenix Police responded to a car-jacking in Phoenix. A description of the stolen vehicle was broadcast and police eventually identified the vehicle that Mr. Villareal had stolen. Police helicopters responded to assist with the case. While fleeing from police, Villareal drove the vehicle to the Gila River Indian Reservation, where tribal officers joined in the pursuit.
The stolen vehicle was eventually stopped. Police tried to apprehend Villareal. Villareal refused to comply with the police. He then used a sawed off shotgun and fired in the air, near the police helicopter. He also fired in the direction of a tribal officer. A tribal officer returned fire, shot Villareal in the leg and Villareal was ultimately arrested. No law enforcement officers were injured.
The 78 month sentence was ordered to be served consecutive to a state sentence of 4.5 years prison for the offense that happened in state jurisdiction. Thus, defendant was sentenced to a combined prison term of 11 years in prison for this crime spree.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Gila River Police Department and the Phoenix Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Sharon Sexton, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix, Ariz.
CASE NUMBER: CR-06-226-PHX-MHM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2008-230(Villareal)
