YUMA NEWS | Monstermedia Llc

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at approximately 7:31 a.m., the School Resource Officer (SRO) was informed about a student having a machete at Yuma High School, located at 400 S. 6th Avenue.

Four students ran from the cafeteria bathroom and were contacted by the SRO. The students informed the SRO that another student displayed a machete towards them in the bathroom. The SRO learned the student suspect fled out through the front doors of the school. The machete was located outside the school and the student suspect was located back on the school campus. The student suspect, a 14-year-old juvenile, was quickly taken into custody and removed from campus.

The 14-year-old juvenile was booked in the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center on both felony and misdemeanor 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. Remember, if your information leads to an arrest, you may receive up to a $1,000 cash reward.

LOCAL WRESTLING CHAMPS

The Somerton Middle School Wrestling Team has claimed the 2024 City Championship! These outstanding young athletes have proven their dedication, hard work, and unbreakable team spirit. The City of Somerton shared that in honor of their achievement, the iconic water tower will shine in green and gold.

VITALANT BLOOD DRIVES SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER

Somerton

Thu, Oct 17, 10am-2pm, Somerton Police Department, 445 E Main St, Training Room

Yuma

Tue, Oct 8, 10am-2pm, Sun Vista RV Resort, 7201 E 32nd St, Ballroom Alcove

Wed, Oct 9, 10am-2pm, Yuma County Adult Probation, 410 Maiden Lane, Administration Building Meeting Rooms 2/3

Wed, Oct 9, 2pm-6:30pm, Yuma Central SDA Church, 1680 S 5th Ave, The Family Center

Fri, Oct 11, 8am-1pm, St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 11545 E40th St, Friel Center

Sat, Oct 12, 7:30am-11:30am, Elks Lodge 476,1917 W 32nd St, Meeting Room

Mon, Oct 14, 2pm-6pm, Yuma Regional Medical Center, 2400 S Ave A, Administrative Entrance

Tue, Oct 15, 9am-1pm, Yuma Regional Medical Center, 2400 S Ave A, Administration Entrance

OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

On Friday, September 20, 2024, at approximately 6:32 p.m., Yuma Police Department officers responded to the 3000 block of S. Ragen Drive in reference to a physical domestic disturbance.

The suspect, a 34 year old male, left with a juvenile and barricaded himself in a residence in the 11000 block of S. Desert Air Boulevard. The suspect was located with the assistance of the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office and a perimeter was set up. The Special Enforcement Team was called out and officers attempted to call the suspect out. The suspect fired multiple rounds in the area of the officers. Negotiations were attempted and the suspect fired more rounds. This continued several more times until officers discharged their firearms and the suspect was down. The officers immediately provided emergency aid to the suspect. The suspect was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center where the suspect succumbed to his injuries.

The Yuma Regional Critical Incident Response Team has been activated to assume the investigation.

No injuries to the officers or other community members were reported. The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on modified duty.

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.

11-YEAR OLD ARRESTED FOR SCHOOL THREATS ON TIK TOK

On Friday, September 20, 2024, the San Luis Police Department initiated an investigation after threats of another school shooting were posted on a social media platform. The information was referred to the SLPD promptly and the investigation started based on the comments which had been shared via Tik Tok.

The threats were directly made to Cesar Chavez Elementary School which is located in San Luis, Arizona, and is part of the Gadsden School District. With the help of Cesar Chavez Elementary School personnel, the student was identified and confirmed to be a student of said school with a local address. Police followed up at the residence listed for the student and located the juvenile who made the comments. The 11 year old student admitted to making the comments and justified them as a "Prank." The 11 year old suspect was placed under arrest and booked into the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center under several charges including a felony offense.

The San Luis Police Department advises they will continue to investigate every school threat made and file charges as applicable regardless of the comments being posted as a "Prank" or not.

ARREST MADE IN GILA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL THREAT CASE

The Yuma Police Department investigated a verbal threat of violence at Gila Ridge High School this morning. The student involved, a 17-year-old-male, was quickly identified and interviewed by the School Resource Officer. During the investigation, the student who admitted to making the threat, did not have the means or the intent to carry out the threat. Due to the severity of the verbal threat, charges will be forwarded to the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center.

The Yuma Police Department worked with Gila Ridge High School and the Yuma Union High School District on this case.

This threat is not related to any of the threats shared via social media.

The Yuma Police Department takes all school threats seriously and will investigate each one of them. Whether the threat is verbal or via social media, we ask our community to call us and report the threat. Please do not repost the threats. Allow us to fully investigate the threats.

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.

RURAL METRO RESPONDS TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

On September 16, 2024 at approximately 2:55 p.m. Rural Metro Fire responded to report of a traffic accident in the area of S Frontage Rd and S Ave 12E. Upon arrival crews found two vehicles with moderate damage. Crews worked quickly to stabilize the vehicles and assess occupants. Four patients were transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

CIBOLA AND CENTENNIAL TO BE OPEN 9/17/24

Cibola High School will be open on Tuesday, Sept. 17 for classes as regularly scheduled.

Yuma Police Department, along with additional law enforcement agencies, continue to investigate the origin of the school threat that appeared on social media on Sunday, Sept. 15. In order to help ensure a safe environment on the school campus, YPD will provide additional police presence.

As always we encourage our school community to remain vigilant in reporting suspicious activity. If you see something, say something. Information can be shared with a responsible adult or through YUHSD’s Anonymous Alerts platform: https://tips.anonymousalerts.com/yumaunionhsd/

CLASSES RESUME AT CENTENNIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL ON 9/17/24

The Yuma Police Department has investigated and found that the student named in the school violence threat against Centennial Middle School was falsely listed and had no involvement in the threat.

School will resume as regularly scheduled on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The Student Resource Officer (SRO) will be on campus, and the school staff will continue to practice regular school safety measures such as ensuring all doors are locked, having a single point of entry to the school through main office, and utilizing badge-only access for verified district personnel, to name a few.

RURAL METRO RESPONDS TO FARM MACHINERY FIRE

On Friday, September 6, 2024, Rural Metro Fire responded to a report of farming equipment on fire. Upon arrival, crews found a cotton combine fully involved between two fields. Crews quickly used the “deck guns” on top of the engines to extinguish the fire. Crews remained on scene to ensure no fire remained. No injuries were reported.

YUMA POLICE DEPARTMENT SCAM ALERT

YPD has received calls from the community about an email scam. Reporting parties stated they received an email advising them that they have 24-hours to pay $2K via a QR code that the scammer will send. Please stay alert and never reply to these types of scams. If you have questions about any accounts you may have, please call the official number from a statement or the official website.

Most email scams can be caught quickly by simply looking at the return email address.

Recognize the signs of a phishing email: mismatched fonts, missing hyperlinks, improper grammar, and misspellings.

If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, please report it to your local law enforcement agency.

YUMA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SCAM ALERT

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office is receiving multiple reports reference a person calling by the name of 'Sgt. McDowell’ asking for payment to avoid arrest. THIS IS A SCAM.

If you receive a call from a law enforcement agency requesting payment to avoid being arrested-it's a scam. Hang up!

Never hit redial or call back the number left on voicemails. Dial your local agency's number to confirm or verify information with personnel.

Criminals masquerading as officers, are calling residents and informing them that a warrant has been issued for their arrest. The scammers will typically demand that the money be paid by money transfer, prepaid card, or by an online payment system.

Please advise any friends and family members who may fall victim to these fraudulent calls and inform them of this trending scam.

ARIZONA SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS DEATH PENALTY FOR PRESTON STRONG

On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, it was announced that the Arizona Supreme Court is upholding the death sentence of Preston Alton Strong. Strong is the man convicted of killing six people in Yuma nearly twenty years ago on La Mesa Street, as well as the murder of Dr. Satinder Gill.

Preston Strong was convicted in 2017 for the 2005 murders that occurred in a quiet residential neighborhood. Strong was convicted of murdering his best friend, Luis Rios, and Rios' girlfriend, Adrienne Bedoya Heredia. Strong also murdered her children, 13-year-old Andreas Crawford, 12-year-old Enrique Bedoya 9-year-old Inez Newman and 6-year-old Danny Heredia III.

In 2012 Strong was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the murder of Santinder Gill, a Yuma physician. He received an additional 25.5 years in prison for kidnapping, armed robbery burglary, aggravated assault and attempted arson, all relating to the Gill case.

Two years later, while serving that sentence, he was re-arrested and tried for six counts of first degree murder in the La Mesa case. He was found guilty on all charges and sentenced to death.

PORT OF SAN LUIS CBP OFFICERS STOP A CHILD SMUGGLING ATTEMPT

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Area Port of San Luis uncovered an alleged child smuggling attempt involving two minors and arrested a woman in connection with the failed attempt.

On August 29, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m., CBP officers assigned to the San Luis Port of Entry encountered a 28-year-old female U.S. citizen driving a 2007 Nissan Sentra who presented U.S. birth certificates for the two minor children in her vehicle. Officers referred the travelers to secondary for further inspection.

During the examination, the woman stated to CBP officers that the children were family members. However, officers soon discovered there was no family relationship between the woman and the two minors, ages eleven (11) and eight (8). The birth certificates, while legitimate, did not belong to the children. The minors were Mexican citizens and did not possess valid entry documents.

The children indicated to CBP officers that they did were given sleep sedatives prior to the attempted crossing in effort to assist in evading detection.

“Our CBP officers prevented this child smuggling attempt utilizing their experience and inspectional skills,” said Chris Leon, Area Port Director for San Luis. “CBP remains committed to upholding our U.S. immigration laws.”

CBP officers arrested the woman for alleged violation of U.S. immigration law and seized the vehicle.

YUMA HIGH CHORALAIRS CELEBRATE 60 YEARS

On Friday night, a special naming and dedication ceremony was held in honor of Taylor Dean McBride. The weekend's festivities kicked off on Friday with a presentation in Yuma High's newly named Taylor Dean McBride Auditorium. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Yuma High Choralairs, and McBride was the man of honor. There was a reunion on Saturday where 6 decades of Yuma Choralairs were present, sharing their stories and adventures over the years. The common theme was McBride and the positive impact he and his wife Patsy had on each of their lives. Sunday's Memorial Service rounded out the reunion with a look back at those Choralairs who have passed away.

SCHOOL CLOSURE AT CASTLEDOME 8/26/24

Castle Dome Middle School is currently experiencing issues with its air conditioning system. For the safety of all students, school will be canceled today, August 26th, at Castle Dome Middle School only. Parents have been notified. We will continue to monitor indoor temperatures while repairs are underway, and will keep families updated about school tomorrow.

88 POUNDS OF COCAINE SEIZED

Thanks to Blythe Station agents with Yuma Sector Border Patrol, 88 pounds of cocaine worth approximately $560k are off the streets and a drug smuggler is behind bars. Agents stopped a vehicle on Interstate 10 near Blythe, California Tuesday and discovered multiple packages of cocaine hidden inside the vehicle. The smuggler, a 37-year-old U.S citizen, and the drugs were turned over to another agency.

YUMA CIVILIAN PROVIDES AID TO YUMA POLICE DEPARTMENT

A Yuma Police Department officer was attempting to place a suspect under arrest in the area of the 1600 Block of South 4th Avenue. During the arrest, the suspect pulled away and struck the officer, causing injuries. While driving eastbound on 16th Street, civilian Juan “Rick” Ramirez observed the officer engaging the suspect.

Mr. Ramirez immediately diverted and crossed all lanes of traffic, driving through a dirt lot to assist the officer. Once on scene, Mr. Ramirez asked the officer if he needed assistance, to which the officer said yes. Mr. Ramirez provided aid, which allowed for the suspect to be placed in handcuffs.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

On Friday, July 26, 2024, at about 4:03 p.m., Yuma Police Department officers responded to a report of an aggravated assault in the 1600 block of W. 8th Street.

Responding officers located a 33-year-old male with gunshot injuries. The investigation showed the male victim was walking westbound on 8th Street when he was shot. The male victim received non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center for treatment. Investigations arrived on scene and took over the case.

There were no other injuries reported. There are no suspects in custody at this time.

This is still an active investigation.

VEHICLE CRASHES INTO TWO HOMES

On 7/15/2024 just after 5:30 pm, Yuma Duty Chief 1(YDC1), Yuma Engine 4(YE04), and Yuma Medic 3(YM03) were dispatched to a report of a motor vehicle accident in the 1900 block of Ave A. YDC1 arrived to find a full-size truck had left the roadway and struck 2 homes before coming to a complete stop in the second home. YDC1 upgraded the response to include the Special Operations Response Truck (SORT) 5. The driver was evaluated at the scene with minor injuries before ultimately refusing transport. Thankfully, none of the occupants in the home were injured.

The Yuma Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team (TRT), in conjunction with the City of Yuma’s Building Safety Engineers, identified areas of the structure that required additional structural support. YFD’s Technical Rescue Team began shoring the structures to ensure stability and prevent further damage or risk of partial collapse. The YFD Technical Rescue Team secured both structures and restored power upon completion, allowing the homes to be turned back over to their owners.

YUMA FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO FIRE IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA

The Yuma Fire Department responded to a report of a fire endangering a residence. Upon arrival, crews discovered an active fire outside of a shed, near the rear of the structure. Yuma Engine 4 arrived on the scene to find smoke and flames coming from the alleyway. Yuma Eng 4 extended hose lines into the alleyway to access the fire; additional engine companies arrived and assisted with extinguishment. The fire was contained to pallets and rubbish outside of the shed. The cause of the fire was undetermined, and damage was isolated to the exterior of the shed. No injuries were reported.

VEHICLE FATALITY - 1 DECEASED AND 4 INJURED AT COUNTY 14 AND AVENUE C

On Friday, June 21, 2024, at approximately 9:10 PM the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision in the area of Avenue C and County 14th Street.

The initial investigation revealed a 2004 Toyota Tacoma was traveling south on Avenue C, when it failed to stop at a posted blinking stop sign at the intersection of County 14th Street. As it proceeded through the intersection, it collided into a 2015 Ford F-150 traveling westbound.

The driver and two passengers of the Ford F-150 were transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) by Rural Metro, where one of the passengers succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. The passenger was a 75-year old Somerton resident. Next of kin has been notified.

The driver and passenger of the Toyota Tacoma sustained serious injuries and were transported to YRMC. The driver was later flown to a Phoenix area hospital for further medical treatment.

This case remains under investigation at this time. The Yuma County Sheriff's Office advises that impairment and speed may have been 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 www.yumacountysheriff.org to submit an anonymous tip.

Information Released By: Tania Pavlak, Public Affairs Specialist

VEHICLE FATALITY - 2 DECEASED AND 3 TEENS INJURED

On Friday, June 21, 2024, at about 3:26 a.m., Yuma Police officers responded to a report of an injury collision in the 1100 Block of S. 14th Avenue.

The initial investigation revealed a 16-year-old male, driving a 2007 Honda Civic, was traveling at a high rate of speed. For unknown reasons, the Civic lost control and collided with a brick wall, two parked vehicles, and a house.

The driver, and an 18-year-old female front-seat passenger were both pronounced deceased on scene. Three passengers, a 13-year-old male, a 13-year-old female, and a 12-year-old female were in the back seat of the Honda Civic and sustained injures. They were transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center for treatment. The 13-year-old male and 13-year-old female were later flown to a Phoenix-area hospital with serious injuries.

Alcohol and speed appear to be factors in this collision.

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) 783-4421 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

YUMA COUNTY KICKS OFF MOBILE DATA COLLECTION PROJECT

Yuma County Public Works recently kicked off a project to inventory the condition of all roads maintained by the County. To accomplish this, the County retained the services of Roadway Asset Services, LLC (RAS) based out of Austin, TX. RAS is a nationwide firm and provides professional asset management and mobile data collection services to local and state government agencies.

RAS operates a fleet of sophisticated data collection vehicles equipped with an array of precision instrumentation and data collection equipment that helps state and local transportation agencies inventory and manage transportation infrastructure, facilities, and assets.

Specifically, the vans possess digital cameras that will collect imagery on all pavement and above ground, transportation-related assets located within the right-of-way. This imagery will be used to assess the pavement conditions and update the County’s pavement management program over the next 5 years.

If residents have any questions or need additional information regarding the vehicles, the project, or the process; they are encouraged to contact Yuma County Public Works at (928) 341-2500.

HOMICIDE - 19 YEAR OLD DIES WHILE ANOTHER 19-YEAR OLD WAS ARRESTED

On Monday, June 10, 2024, at approximately 3:07 p.m., the Yuma Police Department responded to a report of an accidental shooting in the 1900 block of 3rd Avenue.

Initially, 23-year-old Cody Meier stated he was cleaning his rifle and it accidentally went off, hitting a 19-year-old male. Further investigation revealed that 19-year-old Angel Campa was the one who recklessly handled the rifle that shot the 19-year-old male and fled the scene. At approximately 7:33 p.m. Angel Campa turned himself in to officers at 2400 S. Avenue A and was taken into custody without incident.

Cody Meier was arrested and booked for Hindering Prosecution and False Reporting. Angel Campa was arrested and booked for Second Degree Murder and Disorderly Conduct with a Weapon.

The victim, identified as 19-year-old Raymond Ruiz, was pronounced deceased on scene. Next of kin notifications have been made.

This case is still under investigation.

HOMICIDE -UPDATE 3 FROM YCSO

Update 3- During the course of the investigation, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) Criminal Investigations Bureau identified a second suspect.

On Tuesday, June 18, 2024, the second suspect, identified as Fernando Malta, 34, of Somerton, AZ, was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center for 1st Degree Murder, Possession of Weapon by Prohibited Person, Attempted Arson, Evidence Tampering, and Abandonment/Concealment of Dead Body.

The case remains under investigation.

Update 2- June 11, 2024 – 11:25 AM During the course of the investigation, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) Criminal Investigations Bureau identified a suspect.

On Monday, June 10, 2024, YCSO Investigators, with the assistance of the US Marshals and Somerton Police Department, located and arrested the suspect.

The suspect, identified as Brittney Garcia, 30, of Somerton, AZ, was booked into the Yuma County Detention Center for 1st Degree Murder.

Brittney Garcia

The case remains under investigation.

Update 1-June 7, 2024 – 12:50 PM

The victim of the homicide has been identified as Eric Cruz, 29, of Yuma, AZ.

Next of kin notification has been made. This case remains under investigation.

Original – June 6, 2024 – 4:00 PM

On Thursday, June 6, 2024, at approximately 6:58 AM, The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a vehicle in a canal and a deceased male in the area of Avenue G and County 21st 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.

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

SHOTS FIRED - 15 YEAR OLD IN CUSTODY

On Thursday, May 30, 2024, at approximately 11:25 am, the Yuma Police Department responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 4th Avenue and 16th Street.

The initial investigation revealed that multiple shots were fired at a moving vehicle in the 17th Street and 5th Avenue. There are no reported injuries at this time.

A 15-year-old male has been taken into custody in reference to this incident. He has been booked into the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Detention Facility on multiple felony charges including Attempted Murder 1st Degree.

Alice Byrne Elementary School and Student Choice High School were placed on a shelter in place as a precautionary measure.

This is 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.

MEMORIAL WEEKEND FIRE AT IMPERIAL WILDLIFE REFUGE AREA UPDATE

Update 5/29/24: As of today, charges are not being filed by the Yuma County Attorney's Office.

Fire crews made significant progress on the Refuge Fire along the exterior of the perimeter. The fire is burning in salt cedar which holds heat. This means the fire will continue to smolder for many weeks to come. There are many hazards in the interior areas of the fire related to smoldering fuels and holes where the fire has burned into the layers of combustible materials that have built up over many years. The weather is another factor, increasing temperatures, lower relative humidity of 5 to 10 percent and gusting winds will keep the already burned fuels smoldering. Fire suppression repair of the endangered species areas needs to be completed by fire personnel to allow the ongoing protection of fish and wildlife.

Over 100 fire personnel are working to fully contain the fire so that a date can be set to reopen the refuge.

Community Response: Firefighters are continuing to work on the roads around the fire. We are requesting that the public continue to exercise patience during the closure for the safety of themselves and fire crews. There are currently no threats to surrounding communities, infrastructure, or natural resources.

Smoke: Smoke production is very limited, but some smoldering of fuels will continue into the near future.

Closures: Red Cloud Mine Road and Meers Point Recreation Area.

Fire Restrictions: No fires are allowed in Fish and Wildlife Service areas. More information about fire management can be found at: www.fws.gov/program/fire-management.

Location: Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, north of Martinez Lake, Yuma AZ

Start Date: May 25, 2024

Size: Approximately 1037 Acres

Percent Contained: 20%

Cause: Human Caused, Under Investigation - see post below in reference to an arrest

Vegetation: Salt Cedar and Riparian vegetation

YCSO ADVISES OF ANOTHER SCAM

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office is receiving multiple reports reference a warrant scam; where criminals masquerading as Officers, are calling residents and informing them that a warrant has been issued for their arrest. They are then offered a choice to either pay for the warrant or have an officer sent over to arrest them.

They have been known to use names of local judges, officers, and even spoofing numbers on your caller i.d. in order to make the scam seem legitimate. The scammers will typically demand that the money be paid by money transfer, prepaid card, or by an online payment system.

If you receive a call from a law enforcement agency requesting payment to avoid being arrested-it's a scam. Hang up!

Please advise any friends and family members who may fall victim to these fraudulent calls and inform them of this trending scam.

ARSON ARREST MADE IN REFUGE FIRE

On Saturday, May 25, 2024, at approximately 1:59 PM, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to the area of the Colorado River and Zoo Island in reference to a large fire.

Multiple agencies in the area also responded to assist; to include, Lake Martinez Fire, Yuma Proving Ground Fire, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rural Metro, and Bureau of Land Management.

Upon Deputy arrival, the fire was active and fire crews worked to extinguish the fire as it burned several wildland acres of the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge.

Initial investigation revealed arson was the cause of the fire. A suspect identified as Jason Bradley Martin, 47, of Yuma, AZ, was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center on Reckless Burning, Arson of Structure/Property, Criminal Damage, Burn Wildlands Violated Order, and Endangerment.

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

DOT ADVISES DRIVERS TO PLAN FOR RESTRICTIONS ON US 95

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan ahead for lane restrictions on US 95 between Rifle Range Road (milepost 35) and Wellton Mohawk Canal Bridge (milepost 39) in Yuma.

The following restrictions will occur 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through November 2024:

Traffic traveling through the project will be moved to the new pavement to the west.
An 11-foot vehicle width restriction will remain in place.
A reduced speed limit of 45 mph will remain in place.
Note: Flaggers and Arizona Department of Public Safety personnel will direct motorists through the work zone as needed between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Delays are likely, so travelers should allow extra travel time.

FATAL COLLISION

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at approximately 9:40 A.M., the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a two-vehicle collision in the area of Highway 95 and Avenue 3 ½ E.

The initial investigation revealed a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling eastbound on Highway 95, when for unknown reasons; it crossed the centerline into westbound traffic. The Chevrolet Silverado then collided into a 2015 Chrysler 200 traveling westbound on Highway 95.

The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, identified as Jose Escobar, 43, Yuma, AZ, was pronounced deceased on scene. Next of kin notification has been made.

The driver of the Chrysler was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

This case remains under investigation at this time. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in this collision

DOUBLE HOMICIDE UPDATE

UPDATE 2: During the course of the investigation, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) Investigations Bureau identified a suspect.

On Friday, May 3, 2024, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Yuma Police Department, served a search warrant at a residence in the 1900 Block of W. Chico Lane.

The suspect, identified asRomeo Jay Arellano, 19, of Yuma, AZ, was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center on two counts of Premeditated 1stDegree Murder.

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the following agencies: the Homeland Security Investigations, the Yuma Police Department, and the YCSO Helicopter Unit for their assistance.

This case remains under investigation at this time.

UPDATE 1 - May 3, 2024 - 9:30 AM: The victims of the homicide have been identified as Manuel Marquez, 82 of Yuma, AZ and Patricia Marquez, 79, of Yuma, AZ.

Next of kin notifications have been made. This case remains under investigation at this time.

Original - May 2, 2024 – 11:05 AM

On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at approximately 8:58 PM, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 1900 Block of W. Chico Lane in reference to a possible burglary and two missing persons.

The reporting party went to check on the elderly couple that resided at the residence and contacted law enforcement after noticing the residence had been possibly burglarized.

Upon arrival, Deputies conducted a search of the property and located the missing male and female deceased inside the residence.

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau responded and assumed the investigation.

This case is being investigated as a homicide. It remains under investigation at this time.

Information Released By: Tania Pavlak, Public Affairs Specialist

FATALITY COLLISION UPDATE

On Friday, March 22, 2024, at about 12:40 a.m., Yuma Police officers responded to a report of an injury collision in the intersection of East County 16th Street and South Avenue 3E.

The initial investigation revealed a 27-year-old male, driving a 2022 Tesla, was traveling eastbound on County 16th Street at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at the stop sign at Avenue 3E. The Tesla collided with a 2006 Toyota Scion, driven by a 29-year-old male, traveling southbound on Avenue 3E. The 29-year-old male was ejected from his vehicle and pronounced deceased on scene. The 27-year-old male was extracted from his vehicle and transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center in serious but stable condition. There were no passengers in either vehicle.

This case is still being investigated. While at this time it is known speed was a factor it is unknown if impairment was a factor.

UPDATE: On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 27-year-old Alexander Trace Ray was taken into custody and booked into Yuma County Detention Center for 2nd Degree Homicide, Endangerment, AGG DUI, Criminal Damage, Reckless and Aggressive Driving. The investigation revealed that Alexander Ray was driving at excessive speeds with a young child in the vehicle. The child was left with a relative before the collision occurred. There were no passengers in either vehicle at the time of the collision.

The deceased driver of the Toyota Scion has been identified as 29-year-old Ruben Orozco Gonzalez.