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Man who shot at a deputy during a high speed chase in 2016 sentenced to 50 years in prison

Juan Quiroga, the man convicted of firing at a Smith County deputy during a chase, was sentenced to 50 years in prison.
Credit: Tyler Morning Telegraph

TYLER, Texas — Judge Jack Skeen Jr. read the charge of the court to the jury on Thursday morning. The jury heard closing arguments from the state and defense before they were sent to deliberate Quiroga's sentence.

In closing arguments Quiroga's defense attorney Jason Parrish said he thinks everyone is capable of change and is entitled to a second chance.

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"I'm asking you to give Mr. Quiroga that ooppotiunty. Look at provisions of community supervision for a full 10 years. Theres lots of other things the judge can do, put an ankle monitor on him, go into his house, they can control where you work and one little slip and you're going to the penitentiary."

Parrish insisted Quiroga has a network of people to help make him successful while he is on probation.

The state asked the jury for the maximum punishment of life in prison and a fine of $10,000 during closing statements in the sentencing hearing.

Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jiral told the jury he was thinking about the idea of second chances when he was preparing for his statement.

"Deputy Cameron got a second chance when he was getting shot at," Jiral said. "He stepped on the gas. He told deputy Smith to go, go, go. He deserves a second chance. Mr. Quiroga tried everything in his power to end that public servant's (Deputy Corey Cameron) life."

Jiral told the jury he is asking them to send a message that behavior like Quiroga's is not condoned in Smith County and the only way to do that is to send him to prison for life.

First Assistant District Attorney Chris Gatewood said a life sentence sends a message to Deputy Cameron and his wife and all other law enforcement that we support you and stand with you.

"A life sentence says thank you for what you do," Gatewood said. "Keep doing it and when something happens to you we will be there to back you."

Gatewood ended his time by playing the dash camera footage of the chase and shooting.

The 2016 shooting for which Quiroga was found guilty began after deputies attempted to stop a car on Thompson Lane off of Texas Highway 64 West in western Smith County. When the deputy turned on the vehicle's lights, the driver fled and the chase went onto New Harmony Road. Quiroga is accused of firing at two sheriff's department vehicles during the pursuit.

Pineda, who was convicted last year for his role in the shooting, was the target of a monthslong, multiagency drug investigation when the shooting occurred. Authorities had Pineda and others under surveillance at a hotel and an RV park near Toll 49 the day and evening of the shooting.

Quiroga and Pineda fired at the deputy as another co-defendant, Jeremy Robinson, drove the Nissan Altima at speeds over 100 mph during the pursuit, according to information shared in court.

Robinson, 34, of Hutchins, was arrested by the Tyler Police Department SWAT team the day after the shooting when the Altima was seen at the Residence Inn by an off-duty constable who works at the hotel.

Pineda fled to Arkansas, where he was arrested by Arkansas authorities and brought back to Smith County on April 12, 2016.

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