DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR CARJACKING AND WEAPONS OFFENSES

Richland, Washington - First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on May 21, 2026, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Hector David Flores, age 29, of Kennewick, WA, to 15 years in federal prison for Carjacking, Brandishing a Firearm in Commission of a Crime of Violence, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Judge Dimke imposed 5 years of federal supervision upon Flores' release from custody.

According to court documents, on June 10, 2025, Benton County Deputies observed Flores driving a vehicle just east of the Duportail Bridge in Richland. Deputies had been involved in an incident less than a week before, where Flores assaulted two deputies, and escaped by fleeing the scene in a vehicle. Anticipating that Flores would flee again, spike strips were deployed in an attempt to disable his vehicle. Despite successfully puncturing both front tires, Flores fled. Minutes later, his vehicle was reported abandoned in a nearby neighborhood. As deputies responded to the area, Flores was observed as a passenger in a truck. It was later learned that Flores had approached a good Samaritan and requested a ride to Pasco. The good Samaritan agreed. However, after a sheriff's vehicle attempted to stop the truck, Flores pulled a loaded firearm, pointed it at the good Samaritan, and commanded him to keep driving. Instead, the good Samaritan was able to push the firearm away, bring the truck to a stop, and run to safety, advising officers of the firearm in the process.

Flores stole the vehicle and drove away. Deputies pursued Flores in a high-speed chase, where Flores weaved in and out of traffic, and drove in the wrong lane of travel. Based on the incredible risk of harm posed by Flores, Deputies employed a pursuit intervention technique (PIT) maneuver, which ultimately allowed the pursuit to end.

Flores was taken into custody. Inside the vehicle, Deputies located three loaded firearms, one of which was stolen, 32 grams of methamphetamine, 62 grams of fentanyl, baggies, a scale and approximately $1,200 in cash, and Fores's wallet and identification.

"In Washington, criminals have been emboldened by bad legislation that encourages the belief that they can elude law enforcement, evade capture, and avoid consequences," stated First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano. "This case serves to show that my office, alongside our local law enforcement partners and federal agencies, will not let that happen. We will every tool possible to put an end to violent acts, protect our communities, especially our good Samaritans, and hold that criminals accountable."

"The victim in this case was simply trying to lend a helping hand to a stranger in need, and, in the process, became the target of the type of violent crime that continues to plague our community," said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. "Fortunately, the victim was able to escape, and the unrelenting pursuit of local law enforcement brought Flores into custody without any other citizen being harmed. ATF is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to put an end to this type of violence."

This case was initially investigated by the Benton County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Richland Police Department. The case was formally adopted for federal prosecution by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Brandon Pang, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.