UPDATE: Vigil faces federal charges
By Terry Murry on Thursday, August 18th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
News release from the Oregon district of the U.S. Attorney’s Office
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Umatilla County, Oregon, man is facing federal charges for robbing the Wildhorse Resort and Casino on the Umatilla Indian Reservation at gunpoint and brandishing a firearm.
Javier Francisco Vigil, 51, has been charged by criminal complaint with committing a Hobbs Act robbery and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to court documents, in the early afternoon on August 17, 2022, Vigil is alleged to have entered the Wildhorse Casino, walked straight to the cashier cage in the gaming area, and handed the cashier a note demanding $1 million. Vigil then drew a holstered pistol, pointed it at the cashier, and threatened to “bathe everyone in blood.” After being given nearly $70,000 in cash, Vigil exited the casino, pointed his firearm at a responding tribal police officer, and discharged at least one round. Vigil sustained injuries in an ensuing exchange of gunfire and was transported by officers to a local hospital.
Vigil made his initial appearance in federal court today in Portland before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings.
This case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Umatilla Tribal Police Department and the Hermiston Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Cassady Adams, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S Attorney’s Office in the District of Oregon.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
PENDLETON – Javier Francisco Vigil, 51, has been charged in the robbery and shooting at Wildhorse Resort & Casino yesterday, people close to the investigation confirm.
Vigil was arrested at St. Anthony Hospital and booked into the Umatilla County Jail at 1 p.m. today (Thursday). The arresting agency is listed as “other.” The Umatilla Tribal Police Department is the lead investigating agency. Their detectives are being assisted by the FBI as well as other area law enforcement agencies. The FBI has stated that since it is not the lead investigating agency it will not issue any information regarding the investigation at this time.
The charges filed against him are first-degree robbery, discharging a weapon in an area where firearms are prohibited, and second-degree assault. First-degree robbery is a Measure 11 offense that requires a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and six months. Second-degree assault carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and 10 months. The weapons charge is not a Measure 11 offense.
A bystander who is employed by the Pendleton School District was injured in the shootout between Vigil and law enforcement. Superintendent Kevin Headings, in a letter to parents and staff, wrote today that the injuries, while serious, are not life threatening.
“In light of this event and school starting soon, you, as parents and your students, may be nervous and apprehensive,” Headings wrote. “Building principals and school counselors are aware of this and are prepared to support and keep our kids safe.”
He added that parents can help their children through times of stress by limiting access to social media and talk to them about their concerns and focus on what they can do. Parents who are not comfortable with sending their children to school should work with the school regarding the problem as well.
