WILLMAR -- A 24-year-old Sacred Heart man involved in a high-speed chase that led to shots being fired at authorities was sentenced to 22 years in prison Wednesday in Kandiyohi District Court.
Enrique Villareal Jr. was convicted on eight felony charges May 31, including first-degree attempted murder of a peace officer, assault with a deadly weapon and receiving stolen property.
Charges ste-mmed from a Sept 14, 2005, incident when Villareal and Oscar Flores, 27, of Renville stole a pickup in Clara City and led authorities on a chase, during which Villareal shot at Clara City Police Chief Ralph Bradley's police car. Three of the shots hit the vehicle, causing more than $1,000 worth of damage.
The chase ended in Willmar. However, when Villareal exited the truck, he pointed a rifle at Bradley and other officers. Several officers fired at Villareal, who fled on foot. He was apprehended around 5 p.m. in Souix Falls, S.D., after he was spotted on a commercial bus. Flores was arrested shortly after the chase.
Judge Kathryn N. Smith sentenced Villareal to 228 months in prison for the attempted murder charge. Villareal was sentenced to another 36 months in prison for the assault with a deadly weapon charge. Smith ordered the sentences to be served consecutively.
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Villareal was also sentenced to one year and one month in prison for the receiving stolen property charge. However, Smith ordered the jail time to run concurrently with the other two charges.
In addition to jail time, Villareal was also served with a $500 fine for each of the three charges. He was also ordered to pay $2,515.98 in restitution and probation for 20 years. He received credit for 328 days already served in jail.
Kandiyohi County Attorney Boyd Beccue was pleased with the sentence, saying that the judge sent a message. The sentence was near the high-end of sentencing guidelines.
Beccue said it is important to note that Villareal shot at officers while knowing they were pursuing him.
"It's an assault on peace and order in this city," he said, adding that it will not be tolerated.
"A clear attempt to kill that officer. There was no doubt about that attempt."
Beccue continued, commending the actions of Bradley and the other officers.
Flores pleaded guilty in April to felony charges of second-degree attempted murder-liability for crimes of another and receiving stolen property. He was sentenced on June 7 to 103.5 months in prison and ordered to pay $2,500 in court fees and fines.
