41 Month Prison Term Imposed for a Stabbing That Resulted in Serious Bodily Injury

Toppenish, Washington Man Sentenced in Federal Court

Spokane – Joseph H. Harrington, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Josiah Jacob Arquette, age 20, of Toppenish, Washington, and an enrolled member of the Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation, was sentenced after having pleaded guilty on  September 11, 2018, to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.  United States District Judge Salvador Mendoza, Jr. sentenced Arquette to a 41-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison. Judge Mendoza imposed restitution in the amount of $256.35.

According to information disclosed during court proceedings, on March 17, 2018, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Arquette approached a home in Toppenish and rang the doorbell.  A resident of the home answered the door.  Arquette asked about a missing dog, but the resident said he was unable to help.  Arquette then pushed the door completely open and used a knife to stab the resident in the abdomen and in the hand.  Arquette fled the residence and stole a truck located nearby.  Arquette led police on a high speed chase for twelve miles.  Law enforcement personnel were ultimately able to use spike strips to puncture the truck tires, resulting in Arquette crashing into a field where he was arrested.   

United States Attorney Joseph H. Harrington stated:  “I commend the Yakama Nation Police Department, Zillah, Granger, and Sunnyside Police Departments, the Washington State Patrol, and the FBI for their commitment to attacking and reducing violent crime.  This successful prosecution is yet another example of the superb work that can be accomplished when tribal, local, state, and federal law enforcement officers work in partnership investigating violent crimes occurring within the exterior boundaries of the Yakama Reservation.  Each of these law enforcement agencies demonstrate their dedication to public safety day in and day out.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, Granger Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Yakama Nation Police Department, Zillah Police Department, and Sunnyside Police Department conducted the investigation of this matter. The case was prosecuted by Benjamin D. Seal, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.