Suspect who stole BIA fire vehicle faces federal prosecution after state sentencing
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – An Oklahoma man who led law enforcement on a two-state chase in a stolen tribal fire truck was sentenced to four months in state custody Thursday, though he will immediately face federal charges for the same incident.
Israel Rivera Delgado, 35, appeared before Walla Walla County Superior Court Judge Patricia Fulton for sentencing following a plea agreement. Delgado pleaded guilty to state-level charges stemming from a Dec. 6, 2025, crime spree in which he stole a fire response pickup truck from Mission, belonging to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
A pursuit began in Milton-Freewater and crossed state lines ending at the roundabout at South Ninth Avenue and State Route 125 in Walla Walla, after spike strips were deployed. Delgado, wearing a black ski mask, was later found hiding under bushes near the Pepsi Bottling Group building at 1200 Dalles Military Road. He had multiple warrants for his arrest.
Walla Walla County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Mulhern described the incident as a “reckless” cross-border pursuit.
“He stole a fire truck … drove it across state lines, drove in an incredibly reckless manner, and finally law enforcement was able to stop and arrest him,” Mulhern told the court.
While the state case concluded Thursday, Delgado’s legal troubles are far from over. Because the vehicle was the property of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), the federal government maintains jurisdiction over the theft. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has already issued a warrant for his arrest, and Delgado signed an extradition waiver during the hearing to be transferred into federal custody.
Defense attorney Ashely Kulberg noted that Delgado was “not in his right state of mind” during the incident and expressed remorse for his actions. Delgado, who sustained a torn rotator cuff during the arrest, addressed the court briefly.
“I am very ashamed of what happened,” Delgado said. “I don’t think the Israel a year ago would have done this. I accept the punishment and hopefully this is the last time I see you guys here in court”.
Judge Fulton followed the recommended sentence of four months, noting that Delgado already has 65 days of credit for time served. Upon completion of his state processing, he will be turned over to federal marshals to face charges for the theft of federal government property.
Photo via Dan Thesman
