Local police work Aug. 17, 2022, near the entrance to the food court at Wildhorse Resort & Casino, Mission, following a robbery attempt that ended with the suspect and a bystander suffering gunshot wounds. Javier Francisco Vigil, 52, of Pendleton, faces numerous charges felony charges in the case. His attorney notified the court on Thursday, July 6, 2023, of the intent to rely on an insanity defense.

PORTLAND — The suspect in the robbery and shootout earlier this week at Wildhorse Resort & Casino near Pendleton tried to steal $1 million.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon in a press release Friday, Aug. 19 reported Javier Francisco Vigil, 51, a local man, walked straight to the cashier cage in the gaming area on Aug. 17 and handed the cashier a note demanding $1 million.

“Vigil then drew a holstered pistol,” according to the press release, “pointed it at the cashier and threatened to ‘bathe everyone in blood.’”

Instead of the $1 million, Vigil got almost $70,000 in cash before making his exit, when he then pointed his gun at a Umatilla Tribal Police Department officer who was responding to the robbery and fired.

Vigil suffered injuries in an ensuing exchange of gunfire before police took him into custody.

He made his initial appearance in federal court in Portland on Aug. 19 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo. Federal prosecutors charged Vigil with committing a Hobbs Act robbery and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

The Hobbs Act is a federal law from 1946 that further criminalizes robbery or extortion. A conviction under the Hobbs Act can mean a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

The court ordered Vigil to remain in custody pending further court proceedings. He now is an inmate at the Multnomah County Jail, Portland.

Caught in the gunfire

Wildhorse is on the Umatilla Indian Reservation several miles east of Pendleton. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation reported the Umatilla Tribal Police Department at 1:04 p.m. responded to a report of a robbery in action at Wildhorse. Vigil was not the only one to take a bullet.

The Pendleton School District reported some of its staff were at Wildhorse and a school event.

“Several members of our staff witnessed the incident,” according to the district, “and one staff member was injured.”

The district did not identify the staff member.

CTUIR Board of Trustees Chair Kat Brigham in a statement the morning of Aug. 19 reported the bystander is expected to make a full recovery.

Witnesses recount events

Matt Waggoner was one of the people standing by the entrance to the casino on a video call with his son when he saw a police car roar up to the entrance of the food court hundreds of feet away. He said an officer stepped out of the vehicle and began yelling for everyone to get down and put their hands up.

“It was all so sudden,” Waggoner said.

The Athena resident said he saw the robber emerge from the doors, firing away at the officer. After exchanging gunfire, Waggoner said the gunman appeared to be hit on his right side before crumpling to the ground.

He also captured about 20 minutes of footage of the shooting and subsequent action on his phone.

Danielle McClelland said she was on her way to an afternoon work retreat when she witnessed the shooting. At the time, she was waiting for her father to pick her up.

“The shooting happened so fast. I couldn’t see much. I heard so many shots,” she said.

There were 13 bullet casings in the area behind the officer’s car and at least three bullet casings on the gunman’s side.

Along with Waggoner, other bystanders filmed the shooting. Police asked one to stay back to provide evidence. The man, who wanted to remain anonymous, said he was waiting for a transfer bus to Hermiston for an appointment when the shooting happened. His statement corroborated at least part of Waggoner’s recount.

“(The gunman) came towards the officer shooting,” the man said. “It was surreal to see that and being able to film it. Luckily I had my phone in my hand because I was shaking.”

The man also said he posted the video to Facebook.

All three witnesses commented on how quick the violent encounter was and how fast police arrived. Waggoner said three police cars were at the scene in short order and Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police also arrived.

CTUIR officials react

The confederated Umatilla tribes reported approximately 20 police were on site after the shooting, including tribal police and FBI.

Wildhorse in a statement reported ambulances took both the suspect and the bystander to St. Anthony Hospital, Pendleton.

“We are grateful no one else was physically injured with all that took place,” according to Wildhorse CEO Gary George. “Security personnel and Tribal Police were quick to act and the situation was controlled in a swift manner.”

He also credited Wildhorse staff, saying, “The way the cashiers and everyone handled the situation was exemplary.”

Members board of trustees were at the casino attending a lunch with a guest when the robbery attempt and shootout occured. Brigham in her statement said the “scary event has been far ranging for everyone involved,” and the tribes’ policy and procedures are there to protect people.

“Our staff, the tribal police, our casino security and our gaming commission did a great job in making sure everyone was safe,” she said.

Brigham also stated Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center is providing mental health counseling and resources to those who may need it.

“We understand how trauma affects each individual differently and we want to make sure our employees have the resources they need,” according to Brigham. “The Tribe will continue efforts to improve our security, emergency response and communications to protect our tribal members, community, employees and guests.”

CTUIR also reported Umatilla Tribal Police is leading the investigation with the assistance of the FBI and local and state law enforcement agencies.

— East Oregonian news editor Phil Wright contributed to this report.