SEXUAL ASSAULT UPDATE
On Monday, July 31st, 2023, the Yuma Police Department received information alleging a medical doctor practicing in the area of 1900 block W. 24th Street had sexually abused a patient.
During the course of the investigation, two additional victims were identified and reported sexual abuse by the same medical doctor within the same medical facility.
On Wednesday, February 28th, 2024, at approximately 9:30 a.m., 36-year-old Edsel Sandoval was located in the area of 2000 block W. 24th Street and subsequently arrested for this case. Edsel SANDOVAL was booked into Yuma County Detention Facility on five counts of sexual assault and two counts of attempted sexual assault.
UPDATE: Since his arrest, eight more former patients of Edsel Sandoval reported sexual abuse allegations against him. As a result of the on-going investigation, Edsel Sandoval was indicted on 13 additional sexual related offenses.
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.
UPDATE: ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE
During the course of the investigation, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau identified Abraham Espinoza, 33, of Yuma, AZ, as a suspect.
On Thursday, April 11, 2024, Espinoza was located and arrested with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service. He was booked into the Yuma County Detention Center on three counts of 1st Degree Attempted Murder.
This case remains under investigation at this time.
ORIGINAL RELEASE
On Saturday, March 30, 2024, at approximately 2:30 AM, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance at a business in the 800 Block of E. 21st Street.
Initial investigation revealed the subjects of the disturbance were in an altercation and removed from the business by employees. The disturbance continued into the parking lot and gunfire was exchanged. One subject and several vehicles were struck by gunfire. The subject struck by gunfire fled the scene and later arrived at the Yuma Regional Medical Center for wounds sustained.
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau responded and assumed the investigation. The case remains under investigation at this time.
Investigators are asking the public’s assistance to come forward with information that will help them identify individuals involved in the altercation.
YCSO would like to thank the Yuma Police Department for their on-scene assistance and response.
Anyone with information regarding this case, please contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous
NARCOTICS SEARCH WARRANT ARREST
On Thursday, April 4, 2024, at approximately 3:00 PM, the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force – which is a multi-agency task force comprised of officers and agents from the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO), Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol – along with additional YCSO Investigators, served a narcotics search warrant at a residence in the 9300 Block of E. Saddle Drive -Yuma, AZ.
With the assistance of YCSO K-9 “Aisha”, the search of the residence and the property led to the discovery of approximately 1,767 multi-colored counterfeit M30 pills containing Fentanyl with an estimated street value of $7,068 dollars, 1.2 grams of methamphetamine, 2 grams of black tar heroin, and multiple items of paraphernalia indicative of street sales.
The suspect of the search warrant, Martin Jesus Rodriguez, 27, of Yuma, Arizona, was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center for Possession of a Narcotic for Sales, Possession of a Narcotic and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia numerous counts.
An additional suspect, Rosendo Esquibel, 42, of Yuma, Arizona, was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center for Possession of a Narcotic, Possession of a Dangerous Drug and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
These counterfeit pills, referred to as "skittles" or "rainbow" pills, can contain a lethal dose of pressed fentanyl for someone of any age. It is important for parents to talk with children about the facts and dangers of drugs. Practice with them on ways to turn down or avoid drugs when faced with pressure to try them. Need help starting the conversation? Visit https://talknowaz.com/ or https://drugfree.org/prevention-and-taking-action-early/.
ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE - TEEN INJURED
On Saturday, March 30, 2024, at approximately 9:47 p.m., the Yuma Police Department responded to a report of a drive-by shooting in the 8000 block of E 38th Lane.
The initial investigation revealed unknown suspect(s) shot numerous rounds into a residence in the 8000 block of E 38th Lane, which was occupied by seven individuals. One victim, a 17-year-old female, received multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center and further taken to a Phoenix-area hospital in serious condition. One other resident received minor injuries.
This case is still under 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. Remember, if your information leads to an arrest, you may receive up to a $1,000 cash reward.
ARSON - HISTORIC YUMA BUILDING DESTROYED
UPDATE: On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at approximately 6:44 p.m., 22-year-old Angel Alvarado was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center reference a separate unrelated case. On Thursday, March 28, 2024, after investigative leads were confirmed by YPD’s Property Crimes detectives, Alvarado was additionally charged with two counts of arson of a structure reference case 2024-18639.
On Wednesday, March 27th, shortly before 5:00 pm, the Yuma Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a commercial occupancy on fire in the 400 block of Main Street. The arriving firefighters located a fully engulfed warehouse-type structure. That building was the historic Southern Pacific Freight Depot that was built in 1891.
The building was known to be vacant and fire crews utilized a defense strategy to ensure that the fire did not spread to adjacent structures. Crews located a vacant home approximately 200 feet to the east that was also actively burning. Arriving crews were able to extinguish both fires and protect surrounding structures. No injuries were reported. Yuma Fire Department Fire Investigators determined the fires had been intentionally set.
The Yuma Police Department’s initial investigation showed an unknown subject started the structure fires at 452 S. Maiden Lane, which is a vacant home, and then at 430 S. Main Street, which is the historical Southern Pacific Freight Depot. Both buildings are a total loss.
YPD’s Property Crimes detectives are actively working on a possible suspect in this case.
The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 783-4421 or 78-CRIME at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.
SCHOOL THREATS
On Monday, March 25 2024, at approximately 6:11 p.m., the Yuma Police Department received information about a possible threat of violence to occur at Ron Watson Middle School tomorrow, March 26th, 2024.
Our officers, with the help of Ron Watson Middle School, are actively investigating this threat. At this time, it is found that there is no validity to the threat.
The Yuma Police Department takes all school threats very seriously and will investigate each and every one of them. We appreciate the members of our community who alerted us to this incident and gave us the opportunity to verify the threat.
FATAL COLLISION
On Sunday March 24, 2024, at approximately 5:08 PM, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle submerged in the Gila Gravity Canal with one subject trapped inside.
The initial investigation revealed a 1998 Dodge Dakota was traveling westbound on the Gila Gravity Canal Road when it failed to negotiate a turn. The vehicle drove off the south side of the road rolling over into the canal.
The driver of the vehicle, a juvenile of Yuma, AZ, was able to exit the vehicle and was uninjured.
The passenger of the vehicle, a juvenile of Yuma, AZ, was unable to exit the vehicle and later recovered by the YCSO Dive Team.
The passenger was pronounced deceased on scene. Next of kin has been notified.
This case remains under investigation at this time. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in this collision
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.
JUDGE CENSURED
The Commission on Judicial Conduct announced that on March 15, 2024, the Supreme Court of Arizona issued a public censure against Juan M. Guerrero, Justice of the Peace, Yuma County Justice Court, Precinct 2. The Commission on Judicial Conduct previously accepted a stipulated resolution between the Commission’s Disciplinary Counsel and Judge Guerrero. The stipulated resolution concluded formal charges of misconduct filed against Judge Guerrero on January 16, 2024, in two separate complaints.
The first complaint (CJC Case No. 23-181) was initiated by the Commission on May 8, 2023, following Judge Guerrero’s arrest and citation for driving while under the influence on April 4, 2023. Judge Guerrero was later convicted of misdemeanor driving under the influence on November 29, 2023.
The second complaint (CJC Case No. 23-474) was initiated by Presiding Yuma County Superior Court Judge David Haws on December 4, 2023. The second complaint also alleged misconduct relating to the arrest and conviction for misdemeanor driving under the influence, and further alleged misuse of
government resources and acceptance of payment for wedding ceremonies performed during court hours.
Under the stipulated resolution, Judge Guerrero agreed to resign his position as a justice of the peace and agreed that he will not to serve as a judicial officer in any capacity in the State of Arizona. Judge Guerrero further agreed to accept a public censure.
https://www.azcourts.gov/portals/137/reports/2023/23-474.pdf
https://www.azcourts.gov/portals/137/reports/2023/23-181.pdf
ARMED ROBBERY
On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at approximately 9:56 p.m., officers responded to a report of an armed robbery that just occurred in the 7000 block of E. 42nd Place. While en route, officers were made aware it was a home invasion involving kidnapping and theft of multiple firearms.
The investigation revealed two male subjects entered the residence and held the resident, a 79 year old male with limited mobility, at gunpoint for an extended period of time. During this time, the suspects threatened his life and assaulted him while trying to get a safe opened. The female victim, 63 years old, returned home and was also held at gunpoint and threatened until the safe combination was obtained. The suspects took multiple guns and other items from the residence and fled the scene.
With the assistance of Yuma Sector Border Patrol’s specialty units, Yuma County Sheriff’s Department and Arizona Western College Police, both suspects were located and taken into custody. The suspects were identified as 18 year old Jayden Patino and a 17 year old juvenile male. Both suspects were booked on multiple felony charges to include Burglary, Aggravated Assault, Kidnapping, Theft, Armed Robbery and Aggravated Robbery.
There were minor injuries reported. 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.
ROAD WORK
The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan ahead for alternating lane restrictions on Interstate 8 in Yuma beginning Thursday, March 7, while maintenance crews make pavement repairs.
The following lane restrictions will occur weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Thursday, March 7, through Thursday, April 4:
-
East- and westbound I-8 will be reduced to one lane between milepost 16 (near Avenue 15E) and milepost 20 (near Telegraph Pass). Note: Only one direction will be impacted at a time.
-
A 14-foot vehicle width restriction will be in place.
-
The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph.
Delays are likely, so travelers should allow extra travel time. Drivers should obey posted signs, speed limits and traffic control devices and use caution around construction personnel.
LADY MATADORS RECEIVE RECOGNITION
Arizona Western Lady Matadors' Women's placed two players on both the All-ACCAC and All-Region teams on Tuesday.
Sophomore forward Alliance Ndiba earned first-team All-ACCAC and first-team All-Region I honors after averaging a double-double this season with 13.8 points per game and 12.2 rebounds per game. Ndiba led the ACCAC in rebounds per game with 12.2 and total rebounds with 362 and was second in the league in blocks with 52.
Freshman guard Dyvine Harris also earned first-team All-ACCAC and first-team All-Region I honors to go along with her ACCAC DI Freshman of the Year award thanks to a freshman year in which she averaged 14.0 points per game and was fifth in the ACCAC in three-point percentage, shooting 34.8 percent from beyond the arch.
HOMICIDE
Update:During the course of this investigation, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau identified Maribel Ornelas, 21, of Yuma, AZ, as a suspect.
On February 15, 2024, Investigators located and arrested Ornelas, who was booked into the Yuma County Detention Center for 1st Degree murder and Narcotics Drugs for Sale.
This case remains under investigation at this time. The family has shared a GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses: https://gofund.me/8332dea4
On Tuesday, February, 6, 2024, at approximately 7:47 PM, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to Avenue B and County 18th Street in reference to a vehicle collision and shots fired.
Upon arrival, Deputies located the vehicle and discovered a male victim with gunshot wounds. The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau responded and assumed the investigation.
The victim, identified as Iza Granillo, 18, of Yuma, AZ was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Next of kin notification has been made.
This case remains under investigation at this time.
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.
Information Released By: Tania Pavlak, Public Affairs Specialist