Miles Anthony Magallan

Miles Anthony Magallan, 20, of New Braunfels, was sentenced to the maximum prison term of 10 years for Evading Arrest with a Vehicle and 2 years in a state jail facility for Criminal Mischief by Judge Bruce Boyer of the 22nd District Court on February 25, 2025.

Magallan was previously found guilty by a Comal County jury in July 2024. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Magallan and his co-defendants engaged in drive-by shootings, targeting vehicles and residential windows in New Braunfels.

When New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD) officers attempted a traffic stop, Magallan, the driver, led them on a high-speed chase. Upon stopping, a passenger fled on foot. A search of the vehicle revealed an airsoft pistol.

During the punishment hearing, testimony revealed Magallan's involvement in additional offenses:

• A 2021 drive-by shooting at a car swap meet.
• A 2021 incident where Magallan barricaded himself in his home after discharging firearms in his backyard, leading to the discovery of sawed-off shotguns, revolvers, and ammunition.
• Pending charges of Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon in Guadalupe and Bexar Counties, involving threats with firearms at H-E-B stores.
• A prior conviction for Burglary of a Motor Vehicle in Hays County.

Prosecutors argued that Magallan posed a significant danger to the community, and Judge Boyer, before imposing the maximum sentence, stated, “This has got to stop.” He emphasized the need to protect the public and employees from Magallan’s escalating actions.

Case Details

1. The Initial Offenses and Trial:

• Drive-By Shootings: The core of the Comal County case revolved around Magallan's involvement in a series of drive-by shootings. These weren't random acts of vandalism; they were deliberate actions that created a sense of terror in the community. The fact that they targeted both vehicles and residential homes indicated a reckless disregard for public safety.
• High-Speed Chase: When law enforcement attempted to stop the suspects' vehicle, Magallan's decision to evade arrest escalated the situation. This high-speed chase endangered not only the officers but also other drivers and pedestrians.
• Airsoft Pistol: The discovery of what appeared to be a handgun (later identified as an airsoft pistol) in the vehicle further underscored the seriousness of the suspects' actions. Even if it wasn't a real firearm, it created the perception of a deadly threat.
• Jury Verdict: The jury's decision to convict Magallan indicated that they found the evidence presented by the prosecution to be compelling.

2. The Punishment Hearing and Additional Offenses:

• Testimony from NBPD Officers: The testimony from the New Braunfels Police Department officers provided a broader picture of Magallan's pattern of criminal behavior. These incidents were not isolated; they were part of a larger pattern.
• 2021 Drive-By Shooting and Barricaded Incident: The 2021 incidents involving a drive-by shooting at a car swap meet and the barricaded incident at his residence demonstrated a history of reckless and potentially violent behavior. The discovery of firearms at his residence added to the seriousness of these incidents.
• H-E-B Incidents: The pending charges of Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon at H-E-B stores revealed a pattern of escalating violence. The fact that he allegedly brandished firearms and threatened employees showed a willingness to use force.
• Surveillance Footage: The use of surveillance footage from the H-E-B incidents provided concrete evidence of Magallan's actions. This visual evidence likely had a significant impact on the court's decision.
• Prior Burglary Conviction: The prior conviction for Burglary of a Motor Vehicle in Hays County further demonstrated Magallan's history of criminal activity.

3. The Sentencing and Judge's Remarks:

• Maximum Sentence: Judge Boyer's decision to impose the maximum sentence on each offense reflected the court's concern about the seriousness of Magallan's crimes and the need to protect the public.
• Judge's Statements: Judge Boyer's statements, such as "This has got to stop" and "the people that should be scared are the patrons at H-E-B," revealed his strong disapproval of Magallan's actions and his determination to hold him accountable.
• Public Safety: The judge's emphasis on protecting the public and employees highlighted the court's role in ensuring community safety.

4. Prosecution's Argument:

• Dangerous Menace: The prosecutor's description of Magallan as a "dangerous menace" emphasized the threat he posed to the community.
• Continued Escalation: The prosecutor's point that his actions were escalating, and only stopped because he was detained, highlighted the importance of the maximum sentence.

The case was prosecuted by Jessica Frazier, Ashley Burnside, and Pawan Singh, with assistance from DA Investigator Jacob Starr.