RICHLAND, Washington – An alleged gang member captured by Pasco Police following a pursuit and pit maneuver that was caught on video has been indicted by a federal grand jury.
Victor Amezcua-Garcia was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and later arraigned February 25 in U.S. District Court in Richland, according to Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker in a press release.
Amezcua-Garcia, a 10-time convicted felon, was under Washington State Department of Corrections supervision with an active felony warrant for escape and was also a suspect in a series of armed robberies and shootings in Pasco, the release said.
According to court documents, Garcia and a woman entered an apartment on or around January 2 before Garcia assaulted the apartment tenant and placed a handgun to her head.
On January 24, 2025, detectives from the Pasco Police Department, aware of Amezcua-Garcia’s affiliation with the Sureno gang, arranged a meeting with him by posing as a rival gang member. Amezcua-Garcia and another gang member arrived at the meeting spot in a stolen vehicle, their faces covered by bandanas, the release said
When officers attempted a traffic stop, Amezcua-Garcia fled, speeding through Pasco neighborhoods. Police eventually halted the vehicle using a “pit” maneuver in the 700 block of Court Street.
Amezcua-Garcia and his passenger tried to escape on foot but were blocked by officers. Inside the vehicle, police found a loaded firearm with gang markings, and Amezcua-Garcia had matching ammunition in his pocket, the release added.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rich Barker praised the law enforcement officers involved, stating, “I am honored to work with such brave federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement officers, who frequently are called upon to put themselves in harm’s way to protect Eastern Washington communities.”
The case is being investigated by the ATF, Washington Department of Corrections, and Pasco Police Department, with Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard prosecuting.
