A California man, Gabriel Gigena, has been found guilty by a federal jury in Salt Lake City of assaulting a federal officer. The incident occurred when law enforcement attempted to arrest him on an outstanding warrant on May 4, 2024. Gigena, aged 41 and a resident of Valley Springs, CA, was indicted in July 2024.
The arrest unfolded as the United States Marshal Service (USMS) sought to apprehend Gigena, who was wanted under a state warrant. He was located in Park City, Utah, with his twin three-year-old daughters. Law enforcement aimed to take him into custody safely, considering the presence of his children.
During the attempted arrest, officers charged at Gigena due to security concerns. As officers tackled him, Gigena put his arm around an officer's neck, attempting to strangle him. Witnesses reported Gigena claiming to be "chief of the Indian people" and resisting arrest. Despite warnings and the presence of additional officers with tasers, Gigena resisted until subdued.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Yeates remarked on Gigena’s resistance aiming to harm the officer, stating, "Despite multiple warnings, despite multiple commands, the defendant fought to the bitter end until he was finally placed in handcuffs."
Gigena will be sentenced on July 1, 2025, in Salt Lake City's Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse. The case was announced by Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti and is investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. Prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorneys Sam Pead and J. Drew Yeates.
This case is aligned with Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a national initiative to reduce violent crime and foster safer communities through partnership with law enforcement and community organizations.
For additional details on Project Safe Neighborhoods, you can visit Justice.gov/PSN.