Yakima Man Sentenced to 15 Years Imprisonment for Carjacking

Spokane – Today, Michael C. Ormsby, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Samuel Luis Gutierrez, age 33, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to information disclosed during court proceedings, on November 10, 2014, at approximately 5:34 p.m., a female parked her vehicle at the Harmon Senior Center located in Yakima, Washington. The female subsequently exited the vehicle. Gutierrez observed the female in the parking lot. He approached the victim from behind and demanded the keys to the vehicle. The victim turned around and observed that Gutierrez was brandishing a firearm. He again demanded the keys to the vehicle. Gutierrez stole the vehicle and several personal items belonging to the victim. The incident was immediately reported to the Yakima Police Department. Officers quickly responded to the area and observed the vehicle. As the events unfolded, Gutierrez exited the stolen vehicle and attempted run away. Officers later found Gutierrez outside of a residence. Personal property belonging to the victim was found on his person.

As the investigation proceeded, it was determined that Gutierrez had previously been convicted of Third Degree Rape of a Child, Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, Delivery/Manufacture of Marijuana, and Assault with Intent to Cause Injury. Due to the nature of the offense as well as Gutierrez’s lengthy criminal history, the Yakima Police Department contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

On June 4, 2015, Gutierrez pled guilty to Brandishing of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. Today, Senior United States District Court Judge Lonny R. Suko sentenced Gutierrez to 15 years imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of court supervision.

Michael C. Ormsby said, “The United States Attorney’s Office prosecutes aggressively those who engage in violent criminal behavior. The Yakima Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives worked together to successfully build a strong case. The hard work of the investigating officers/agents resulted in Gutierrez being removed from our community for the next 15 years.”

This investigation was conducted by the Yakima Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Tom Hanlon, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.