WENATCHEE, Wash. – Filiberto Santana, 34, was sentenced to 84 months in prison for assaulting two federal officers.
On April 11, the Columbia River Drug Task Force requested assistance from the United States Marshals Service to apprehend Santana, who had active state arrest warrants.
Officers found Santana and a female sitting in a stolen vehicle at a “Park and Ride” in Wenatchee. The female also had an active arrest warrant.
When officers approached, the female attempted to flee, and Santana appeared to search for something in the car, leading officers to break a window for better access.
Despite orders to comply, Santana resisted and pointed a spray bottle at officers, initially mistaken for a firearm. He sprayed an unknown liquid at law enforcement, injuring two officers.
A Deputy United States Marshal was treated by medics at the scene, with bloodshot and burning eyes that remained irritated for several days.
A second federal Task Force Officer, who was also struck by the spray and had breathed it in, suffered from burning in his lungs for several hours but did not seek medical treatment.
The spray used by Santana was later found in the vehicle and identified as an interior detailing spray.
After a brief escape attempt, Santana was apprehended. Officers found stolen items, including a handgun and ammunition, in the vehicle.
Acting U.S. Attorney Rich Barker emphasized the dangers faced by law enforcement, stating, “Everyday law enforcement officers take on tremendous dangers; yet, they put their lives on the line to protect our communities.”
The court also imposed three years of supervised release for Santana.
