A man who opened fire on a Harbor Patrol police officer and who also missed hitting a pedestrian Downtown has been sentenced to 45 years to life in state prison.

Daniel Quiroz, Jr., 31, received such a long sentence because a jury found he personally used a firearm in shootings in March, 2021. He received consecutive terms in prison.

Quiroz received 20 years as a penalty enhancement which was passed by the state legislature in 1997 called “Use a gun and you’re done” law. This was consecutive to the 15 years to life term for the attempted murder of officer Cody Horn.

San Diego Superior Court Judge Kenneth So then added 10 years to Quiroz’s sentence for felony assault with a deadly weapon on a pedestrian in which a bullet may have ricocheted off his eyeglass case in his pocket.

“This defendant had no regard for life when he recklessly engaged in a shootout on a Downtown street,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan in a press release.

“Traffic stops are some of the most dangerous situations for peace officers as this case clearly demonstrates,” said Stephan, who added this “sentence brings justice to the police officer and civilian victim in this case.”

The shootout took place following a traffic stop on March 1, 2021, in front of the San Diego Convention Center after Quiroz ran a red light while driving a black Honda Accord around 7 p.m. near First Ave. and Harbor Drive.

A jury convicted Quiroz Sept. 13 of attempted murder and felony assault of Horn and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a bystander whose eyeglasses case deflected a bullet.

The officer asked Quiroz to step out of the car, but Quiroz pulled a gun and fired shots. Horn retreated, took cover, and fired back.

After a short time, Quiroz obeyed officer demands and raised his hands, dropped the gun, and was arrested. No one was injured.

Deputy District Attorney Fred Washington asked for the 45-year term on Nov. 14. So gave Quiroz credit for one-and-a-half years spent in jail awaiting trial.