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FATALITY COLLISION

 

On Monday, June 5, 2023, at about 10:32 p.m., Yuma Police officers responded to a report of an injury collision in the 4400 block of W 24th Street.  

 

Initial investigation revealed a black Mazda 3 was southbound on the canal bank approaching the 4400 block of W 24th Street.  It appeared the Mazda failed to yield when it entered onto 24th Street from the canal and collided with a tan Toyota Camry that was traveling westbound on 24th Street. 

 

The 17-year-old male driver of the Toyota and his two passengers, 15 and 17-year-old males, sustained non-life threatening injuries.  Two of the teenagers were transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center for treatment.  The 51 year old male driver of the Mazda was pronounced deceased on scene.   There were no passengers in the Mazda.

 

This case is still under investigation.

 

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

 

 

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UPDATE ON MISSING PERSON

 

Update: On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at approximately 8:12 AM, Brian Vasquez was found deceased in the area of Cocopah Bend RV Park.

 

A kayaker in the area called the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) to report finding him east of the RV park. Local agencies involved in the search and the Medical Examiner responded.

 

Next of kin has been notified.

 

Original Release - June 6, 2023 – 3:30 PM

On Monday, June 5, 2023, at approximately 6:36 PM, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) received a report of a missing person in the water who was doing a float down in the Colorado River.

 

The missing person, identified as Brian Vasquez, 20, of Yuma, AZ, is described as being approximately 5’5 tall, weighing approximately 128 lbs., with brown hair, and brown eyes. Brian was last seen wearing black shorts.

 

Upon Deputy arrival, it was learned that a float down group entered the river near the Ocean to Ocean bridge and floated to Hidden Cove RV launch ramp where they attempted to get off the water. People from the group were able to get to the edge of the water except the victim, who kept going downriver. The group reported seeing the victim submerge under water and not come back up.

 

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, Border Patrol, CBP Air Unit, Yuma Police Department and the Yuma Fire Department Units responded to the scene. Agencies conducted an extensive search of the water and shores by both watercraft and air units, yielding negative results. At approximately 8:15 PM the search was discontinued.

 

On Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at approximately 6:21 AM, first responders resumed the search for the missing person. Search efforts consisted of boating units, dive teams, and ground personnel. The search took place west of Hidden Cove RV Park with both the Arizona and California portion of the Colorado River being covered. At approximately 1:00 PM the search was discontinued. Law enforcement boating units will continue to remain in the area for the remainder of day and tomorrow.

 

If anyone has information, please contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. You can also visit our website at www.yumacountysheriff.org to submit an anonymous tip.

 

Information Released By:  Tania Pavlak, Public Affairs Specialist 

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SECOND FORMER CDC EMPLOYEE FROM MCAS YUMA TAKES PLEA DEAL

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Katherine McCombs, another former MCAS employee, was charged with 7 counts of intentional child abuse. In January of 2022, both Valerie McKinstry and McCombs plead not guilty, and in February of 2022, they appeared in Yuma County Superior Court and were handed indictments as criminal charges. On June 1st, McCombs appeared in Superior Court in front of Judge Roger Nelson, and she accepted a plea deal. McCombs pleaded guilty to seven modified counts of child abuse – that includes two felony counts of child abuse as well as five misdemeanor counts of child endangerment. She will be sentenced on July 6th.  

In April, Judge Haws presided in the case where McKinstry, a former CDC employee from MCAS Yuma plead guilty to two counts of child abuse. There were originally 13 counts of child abuse and endangerment. As part of the plea agreement, McKinstry has also agreed to plead guilty to 11 modified counts of child endangerment.

MCAS Yuma learned of the alleged abuse that occurred between December 2020 and March 2021 when officials reviewed footage from the surveillance cameras located inside the CDC. MCAS contacted Yuma Police Department and a long-form complaint was filed in December of 2021.

According the the MCCS Yuma website, The Child and Youth Program aboard MCAS Yuma includes the Child Development Center (CDC) Bldg. 1071 & 1085, Family Child Care (FCC) Bldg. 1071, Resource & Referral/Supplemental Programs Services (R&R) Bldg. 1071 and Youth Center (YC) Bldg. 1050. Programs are offered to children and youth ages six weeks to twelve years of age, for eligible personnel.

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SECOND FORMER CDC EMPLOYEE FROM MCAS YUMA TAKES PLEA DEAL

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Katherine McCombs, another former MCAS employee, was charged with 7 counts of intentional child abuse. In January of 2022, both Valerie McKinstry and McCombs plead not guilty, and in February of 2022, they appeared in Yuma County Superior Court and were handed indictments as criminal charges. On June 1st, McCombs appeared in Superior Court in front of Judge Roger Nelson, and she accepted a plea deal. McCombs pleaded guilty to seven modified counts of child abuse – that includes two felony counts of child abuse as well as five misdemeanor counts of child endangerment. She will be sentenced on July 6th.  

In April, Judge Haws presided in the case where McKinstry, a former CDC employee from MCAS Yuma plead guilty to two counts of child abuse. There were originally 13 counts of child abuse and endangerment. As part of the plea agreement, McKinstry has also agreed to plead guilty to 11 modified counts of child endangerment.

MCAS Yuma learned of the alleged abuse that occurred between December 2020 and March 2021 when officials reviewed footage from the surveillance cameras located inside the CDC. MCAS contacted Yuma Police Department and a long-form complaint was filed in December of 2021.

According the the MCCS Yuma website, The Child and Youth Program aboard MCAS Yuma includes the Child Development Center (CDC) Bldg. 1071 & 1085, Family Child Care (FCC) Bldg. 1071, Resource & Referral/Supplemental Programs Services (R&R) Bldg. 1071 and Youth Center (YC) Bldg. 1050. Programs are offered to children and youth ages six weeks to twelve years of age, for eligible personnel.

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CITY OF YUMA TO UNVEIL NEW INCLUSIVE PLAY PIECES AT LOCAL PARKS

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The City of Yuma will officially welcome five new playgrounds and play features, including the first inclusive play piece in the Yuma parks system, starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, June 3. The morning’s festivities will take place at five different park locations throughout the City.

Residents are invited to attend one or all of the day’s activities. The following is the approximate event schedule and associated park improvements:

• Desert Ridge Park (26th Place and Avenue 7-3/4E) at 8:30 a.m. This ribbon cutting is for park improvements that include a new mid-size playground, two ancillary play pieces and a swing bay.

• Sanguinetti Memorial Park (8th Avenue and 23rd Street) at 9:05 a.m. This park is expected to reopen in July 2023, and park improvements include two new playgrounds, one for ages 3-5 and one for ages 5 and older, which includes a new swing bay and spinner.

• Winsor Rotary Park (20th Street and Avenue B-1/2) at 9:50 a.m. This park is expected to reopen in July 2023, and park improvements include a new playground, swing bay and several free standing play pieces.

• Sunrise Optimist Park (20th Street and 45th Avenue) at 10:10 a.m. This ribbon cutting is for park improvements that include a new larger-scale playground along with a saucer swing, ancillary play elements and shade structure.

• Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground, West Wetlands Park (282 N. 12th Ave) at 11 a.m. Park improvements include resurfacing and the installation of the inclusive play swing.

The morning’s final event, at West Wetlands Park, will be the unveiling of the We-Go-Swing, which has a universal design that allows children of all abilities to use the swing at the same time. It’s the first of several new inclusive play installations planned for the Yuma Parks system. Inclusive playgrounds are designed to provide positive experiences for children of all backgrounds and abilities, allowing them to engage without limitations.

Money for the We-Go-Swing comes from Inclusive Play Project donations as well as fundraising and charitable donations made through the Liggett Family, established by a local family to bring inclusive play opportunities to Yuma parks.

“The introduction of inclusive play elements to our parks system is going to be a game changer for many families in and around Yuma,” said Parks and Recreation Director Eric Urfer. “We are very thankful for the Liggett Family and the many donors and grantors that have stepped forward to make this possible. This is an exciting time for our parks system. There is much more to do and we are just getting started.”

To learn more about the City’s Inclusive Play Project and how to get involved visit https://www.yumaaz.gov/inclusiveplay or call Parks and Recreation at 928-373-5200.

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HOMICIDE - 35 YEAR OLD SOMERTON WOMAN FOUND DECEASED

On Monday, May 29, 2023, at approximately 11:42 AM, The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a deceased female in the area of Avenue 1E and County 18th Street.

 

During the initial investigation, it was determined the deceased to be a victim of a homicide. The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau responded and assumed the investigation.

 

The victim, identified as Georgina Montoya, 35, of Somerton, AZ, was pronounced deceased on scene. Next of kin notification has been made.

 

Anyone with information regarding this case, please contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. 

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ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE

On Saturday, May 27th, 2023, at approximately 2:05 PM, Officers responded to the 300 Block of South 7th Avenue, for reports of shots fired. Responding officers located a 19-year-old male who suffered non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the shooting. The male was transported to YRMC for medical treatment.

 

This is an active investigation and no suspects have been identified as of the time of this press release.

 

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous. Remember if your information leads to an arrest you may receive up to a $1,000 cash reward.

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HOMICIDE - 57 YEAR OLD MAN DIES

On Monday, May 22, 2023, at approximately 2:05 PM, The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a deceased male in a residence in the 18100 Block of S. Avenue 3E.

 

Upon arrival, Deputies located a male victim with apparent lacerations and unresponsive. The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau responded and assumed the investigation. 

 

During the initial investigation, information was received that the suspect was hired to work on the property. A tip was received regarding the suspect possibly being at Yuma Regional Medical Center seeking medical attention for injuries. Deputies were able to locate and detain the suspect leaving the hospital.

 

The suspect, Nicholas Harder, 37, of Yuma, AZ was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center on 1st Degree Murder.

 

The victim identified as Anthony Jordinelli, 57, of Yuma, AZ, was pronounced deceased on scene. Next of kin notification has been made.

 

Anyone with information regarding this case, please contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. You can also visit our website at www.yumacountysheriff.org to submit an anonymous tip.

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ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE - 4 ARRESTED, INCLUDING 3 JUVENILES

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On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at approximately 6:44 p.m., the Yuma Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the alleyway of the 1700 block of South 46th Drive.

 

The investigation revealed shots were fired from a handgun at the victim after he confronted a group of four juveniles, including one 18-year-old adult female, who were observed tagging graffiti on a wall.  

 

The suspects fled the scene on foot and were later located in a residence in the 4500 block of West 16th Lane. The juveniles, ranging from 15 to 16 years of age, and the 18-year-old female identified as Melissa Armenta, were arrested and booked for multiple felony offenses.

 

There were no reported injuries in this case. 

 

This is still an active investigation.

 

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous. 

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