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RESIDENTIAL FIRE DESTROYS YUMA HOME
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On Monday, April 14, 2025, a residential fire was reported on Kennedy Lane in Yuma. Yuma Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire, but the family has shared that the home is a total loss.
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Ryan Sill has created a Gofundme account for his brother and his brother's roommates. He shared the following: "Today, my brother's house caught fire and is deemed a total loss. The fire has left my brothers and their roommates without anything, including the roof over their heads."
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Donations can be made here: https://gofund.me/01df8ebf
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The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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COBAL PROCESSING FACILITY TO BE BUILT IN EASTERN YUMA COUNTY LATER THIS YEAR
Evelution Energy LLC, an Arizona based critical minerals processor (“EVelution”) is pleased to announce that it has launched a financing of up to $64.8 million in secured subordinated debt under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, to fund the construction and operation of its groundbreaking solar-powered cobalt production facility in Yuma County, Arizona.
This transformational project has strong bi-partisan support from multiple federal, state and local representatives, including Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), as well as U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ District 9 in whose district the Project is located), and was unanimously approved by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors.
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This financing under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program (the “EB-5 Program”) is being raised through the Intermestic EB5 Fund II, LP, a special purpose vehicle created by Intermestic Capital LLC, the Arizona based EB-5 advisory firm founded by Marco Lopez, the former Mayor of Nogales, AZ and Chief-of-Staff of U.S. Customs and Border Protection during the Obama Administration. The EB-5 Program, administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), grants permanent U.S. residence to foreign individuals and their families who are “accredited investors” and make a significant qualified investment (minimum investment US$800,000) in USCIS approved projects that generate substantial new jobs in rural and/or high unemployment areas in the United States.
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EVelution has filed its project with USCIS as an expedited national security interest project, and expects to receive priority processing treatment from USCIS, as the project is critical to the resilience of the U.S. defense industrial base. EB-5 projects that are granted priority treatment by USCIS provide foreign EB-5 investors with the possibility of obtaining a U.S. “green card” in a matter of months.
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Together with the $200 million senior secured financing offered to EVelution Energy by the U.S. Export Import Bank (EXIM) under the Make More in America initiative, this EB-5 financing will provide a substantial majority of the capital required to complete the construction of EVelution Energy’s cobalt processing facility in Arizona. The Company expects that the facility will be the first and largest solar-powered cobalt processing facility in the United States.
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Cobalt is a critical mineral that is essential for aerospace alloys and critical defense technologies, as well as high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Currently, more than 75% of the world’s refined cobalt is produced in China, while there are no commercial-scale cobalt processing facilities in the U.S.
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Construction of the Arizona facility is expected to start at the end of 2025 with full operation by the end of 2027. When fully operational, the facility is expected to be able to domestically produce up to 40% of estimated cobalt demand in the United States.
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Located in a “qualified opportunity zone” in Yuma County, Arizona, EVelution Energy’s solar-powered cobalt processing plant will (i) domesticate a strategically important piece of America’s critical minerals supply chain, (ii) expand the capabilities and resilience of the U.S. defense, aerospace and automotive industrial base, (iii) enhance national security and economic self-sufficiency by de-risking America’s cobalt supply chain from China, and (iv) create new well-paid stable jobs and generate substantial economic growth in an underserved and economically disadvantaged rural area in the State of Arizona.
EVelution Energy’s cobalt processing facility is expected to have a substantial impact on the local economy, generating more than $750 million in economic activity, and creating more than 3,300 direct, indirect and induced new jobs during the life of the project. Moreover, EVelution Energy expects to jointly develop apprenticeship/training programs to train its local workforce at the Wellton Manufacturing Training Center, in partnership with the Arizona Western College.
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YUMA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AUTHORIZES EXPANSION OF BROADBAND AG-TOWER NETWORK
In a unanimous vote, the Yuma County Board of Supervisors has confirmed authorization to move forward with a change order that will add additional towers to the County’s wireless broadband agriculture technology project. This expansion marks another major step forward in ensuring that Yuma County’s leading industry remains at the forefront of innovation, efficiency, production, and water conservation.
The change order, which utilizes grant funds originally provided by the Office of Governor Doug Ducey and later reaffirmed and expanded by Governor Katie Hobbs, reflects continued state support for advancing cutting-edge infrastructure in rural Arizona. The project has drawn international interest for its potential to significantly boost the local economy and position Yuma County as a leader in agricultural technology, or “ag-tech.”
The proposed change was discussed extensively during the Board’s March 24 meeting, where Supervisors and members of the public voiced unanimous support for the project. Today, the Board authorized the County Administrator to execute this and future change orders, as necessary, to ensure the project remains on schedule for completion ahead of the grant-funding deadline in September 2026.
The expanded tower network will serve Yuma County’s agricultural sector, which increasingly relies on broadband technology for remote sensors, drones, artificial intelligence, and autonomous equipment. These tools are essential to the modern agricultural landscape, supporting competitiveness, sustainability, water conservation, and the long-term security of the national food supply.
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YUMA SELECTED AS A GREAT AMERICAN DEFENSE COMMUNITY
Yuma is one of only three communities nationwide selected for this year’s honor as a 2025 Great American Defense Community! The recognition is from the Association of Defense Communities, in conjunction with USAA.
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According to the ADC website, the mission of The Association of Defense Communities builds resilient communities that support America’s military. They are the connection point for leaders from communities, states, the military and industry on community-military issues by enhancing knowledge, information sharing, and best practices. With nearly 300 communities, states, regions, and affiliated industry organizations, ADC represents every major defense community/state in the nation.
“We’re excited to welcome Yuma, Arizona as a 2025 Great American Defense community," said ADC President Karen Holt. “Yuma stands out as a leader in supporting military-connected students, offering innovative programs that inspire military communities across the nation.”
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The Great American Defense Communities program was launched by ADC in 2016 to recognize and celebrate the communities and regions that support military installations for their exceptional commitment to improving quality of life for military. To learn more about ADC, visit www.defensecommunities.org.
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YUMA TO BE THE NEW HOME OF AN AMAZON DELIVERY STATION
Yuma will be the new home to another Amazon Warehouse on land that was previously used for farming citrus at 36th Street and 4E (for reference, it is just north of The Lemon Grove).
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Concrete is being poured to accommodate the warehouse which will be over 60,000 square feet. There will also be an additional 25,000 square feet for a covered van loading area, with 11 truck bays.
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The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, and an estimated 250 new jobs will be created.
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SCHOOL THREATS
On Monday, March 24, 2025, at approximately 2:18 p.m., the Yuma Police Department received reports of a posted social media threat involving Immaculate Conception School.
An initial investigation revealed that a private message containing the threat was sent to students by an unknown individual. A precautionary security check was conducted at the school and additional support was requested from the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC) to aid in the investigation to ensure the safety of students and staff. Throughout the process, school staff maintained transparent communication with parents, keeping them informed of developments and safety measures while working with the Yuma Police Department.
On Thursday, March 27, 2025, our investigation revealed that the social media account belonged to a 12-year-old male student at Immaculate Conception School. Upon contact with the student and his parents, the student admitted to making the threat, claiming it was intended as a joke with no actual intent to carry it out. Due to his actions, the student was arrested, charged with a felony, and referred to the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center.
The collaborative response between law enforcement, the school, and parents demonstrated the importance of REPORT DON’T REPOST which allowed for proactive communication and decisive action in maintaining school safety.
The Yuma Police Department emphasizes its commitment to the safety of the community, making it clear that all threats against schools will be taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated. We encourage the public to report any concerning activity to law enforcement.
The Yuma Police Department asks 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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INJURY COLLISION
On Sunday, March 30, 2025, at about 10:29 a.m., Yuma Police officers responded to a call in reference to an injury collision in 8200 block of E 32nd Street.
The initial investigation revealed that a 2017 Subaru Forrester, driven by an 87-year-old male, was westbound in the 8200 block of E. 32nd Street. The Subaru failed to yield while making a left-hand turn onto Cielo Verde Drive and collided with a 2002 Dodge Durango, driven by a 39-year-old male, that was traveling eastbound on 32nd Street.
The 87-year-old male driver and an 80-year-old female passenger from the Subaru were both transported to Onvida Health. The 87-year-old male driver was further flown to a Phoenix area hospital in serious condition. There were no reported injuries from the Dodge Durango.
Neither speed nor impairment appear to be factor in this case.
This case is still under investigation.
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DISTRICT ONE SUPERINTENDENT SELECTION
On March 28th the District One Governing Board held a Special Meeting to announce a selection in the superintendent search process. The board voted to offer Denis Ponder the opportunity to enter into contract negotiations for the position of District One Superintendent.
“The Governing Board is excited to progress to the next phase with Denis Ponder,” stated Keith Ware, Governing Board President. “Mr. Ponder’s dedication to students, teachers, and the future of public education has been evident throughout the selection process. His experience and vision will drive innovation within District One, foster greater collaboration with parents and the community, and ensure students continue to thrive on their paths to excellence.”
“I am honored to be selected for this incredible opportunity and my commitment remains the same, to do what is best for kids,” stated Denis Ponder. “I look forward to building new relationships and bolstering existing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, as well as our Governing Board. I am excited about the amazing accomplishments and opportunities that are ahead of us.”
The announcement of the selection came after a comprehensive process. During the Special Meeting, the board took a moment to thank the community for sharing their valuable feedback, as well as Arizona School Administrators and Dr. Clement for facilitating this thorough search and review process. “We sincerely appreciate the participation of staff, parents, and community members in this important decision for the future of District One,” stated Mr. Ware. “The board would also like to thank both of our outstanding candidates, Mr. Ponder and Dr. Alka, for participating in this thorough process and for sharing their experience and vision for the future of District One.”
Next Steps:
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3 KOFA SENIORS ARE DORRANCE SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS
Three Kofa High School seniors have been selected as Dorrance Scholarship semifinalists out of thousands of applicants.
Blake Sterling, Iraider Mills and Gloria Miramontes have the chance to earn a $12,000 per academic year scholarship with a total program value of over $100,000 if selected.
“Kofa is proud of the class of 2025 and their academic efforts,” Kofa High School Counselor Denise Avalos-Lopez said. “We are rooting for our semi-finalist and know that they will accomplish great things as they graduate and move into their next academic phase.”
The students will find out if they will move on to become finalists in late March. If selected, they will go through an interview process and the scholarship recipients will be announced in April.
The Dorrance Scholarship is open to Arizona first generation college students who have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA, a minimum test score of 1110 SAT, 22 ACT, or 72 CLT, demonstrate financial need by completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), plan to attend Arizona State University-Tempe, Northern Arizona University-Flagstaff, or the University of Arizona-Tucson, and agree to live in on-campus housing during freshman and sophomore year.
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AWC PROFESSOR IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER ACCIDENT
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UPDATE: 3/11/25 Professor Burris is still in very critical condition.
On Friday, February 28, 2025, at approximately 6:43 AM, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle vs bicyclist collision in the area of W. County 16th Street and S. Avenue A ¼.
The initial investigation revealed a 2014 Chevrolet Captiva and a bicyclist were both traveling eastbound on W. County 16th Street when the vehicle collided with the bicycle, which was traveling along the road shoulder.
The bicyclist, a 41-year-old male from Yuma, Arizona, sustained serious injuries as a result of the collision. He was transported to Onvida Health by Rural Metro and was later flown out to a Phoenix area hospital.
This case remains under investigation at this time. Neither speed or impairment are a factor in this collision.
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Friends of the bicyclist reach out to let us know that he has been identified as David Burris, a Professor at AWC. They also requested that we share a Gofundme to help the family.
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WESTWARD VILLAGE MOBILE HOME FIRE
UPDATE: A GOFUNDME ACCOUNT HAS BEEN SET UP TO HELP DAVE WITH EXPENSES
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On Tuesday 3/4/2025 shortly after 11:30 the Yuma Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a mobile home fire. Initial reports by the reporting party included the presence of heavy smoke conditions and flames seen coming from the home. Yuma Engine 2 (YE02) arrived on scene to find a mobile home engulfed in flames. YE02 determined all occupants had exited the home and immediately deployed hose lines. YE02 provided an aggressive fire attack; the crew was successful in slowing the progress of the fire and preventing it from spreading to nearby homes.
The remaining balance of a residential response arrived to include Yuma Engine 1, Yuma Engine 3, Yuma Engine16, Yuma Ladder 1, Yuma Medic 2 (YM02) and Battalion Chief 1. Crews overhauled the residence looking for additional hot spots and ensuring the fire was completely extinguished.
YM02 was reassigned shortly after arrival to provide patient care. The occupant of the home was treated and transported to Onvida for burns sustained during the fire. The patient was ultimately flown to a Phoenix hospital for treatment.
Yuma Fire Department Arson investigators are currently working to establish cause and origin determination. No further information is available currently.
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FATALITY COLLISION
On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at about 5:50 a.m., Yuma Police officers responded to a call of an injury collision involving a pedestrian at 4th Avenue and 8th Street.
The initial investigation revealed that a 71-year-old male, driving a 2005 Toyota Tacoma, was traveling eastbound on 8th Street approaching 4th Avenue when he struck a 47-year-old female who was crossing 8th Street in the crosswalk.
Yuma Fire Department paramedics performed lifesaving measures, but the 47-year-old female succumbed to her injuries on scene.
This case is still under investigation. Neither speed nor alcohol appear to be a factor.
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.
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RESIDENTIAL FIRE
On March 4, 2025, at approximately 9:15am, Rural Metro Fire responded for report of a residential fire in the area of S Avenida Compadres and Autumn St. Upon arrival, crews found smoke and flames emanating from the roof. Multiple hose lines were quickly deployed to extinguish the fire. Crews entered the residence to establish the fire's origin. Crews were able to extinguish the fire. Crews remained on scene to address hot spots. No injuries were reported, and the Red Cross was notified.
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The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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LOCAL FATHER SERIOUSLY INJURED AFTER BICYCLE INCIDENT
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Antonio “BoBo” Garza is a name known to many who have had the privilege of crossing paths with him. On February 16, 2025, BoBo was at the skate park with his family, when his bike’s fork snapped unexpectedly, sending him face-first into the ground at high speed.
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Paramedics quickly arrived at the scene and transported him to Onvida Health. His family shared in a GofundMe post that Bobo sustained very serious injuries: 14 fractures, including several in his face, as well as brain swelling and bleeding. He was airlifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix for additional care.
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What makes BoBo’s situation even more challenging is the lack of medical insurance. With no coverage and unable to work due to his injuries, his family is now faced with the overwhelming task of ensuring he gets the care he needs while also covering everyday expenses.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bobos-battle-aid-for-brain-injury-recovery/cl/s?lang=en_US&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp10_t1-amp13_c-amp14_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&attribution_id=sl%3A4b079dd0-5673-4e53-85c0-7a25425ee369
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YUMA MAN MISSING AFTER KAYAK TRIP IN SAN DIEGO
UPDATE: San Diego Medical Examiners confirmed that the body of a man that washed up in the Ocean Beach area as been positively identified as that of Danny m
Danny Marron is a Yuma resident and an Arizona Western College Professor. On February 14, 2025, Marron went out on a solo kayak trip, departingfrom Mission Bay in San Diego around 11:45 a.m. local time. The search for him began later that day after lifeguards found an overturned outrigger kayak west of the Mission Bay entrance channel. The kayak was broken in half. Coast Guard officials said the last known ping from Marron's phone occurred at 1:48 p.m. on Friday.
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Crews continued searching throughout the weekend, covering an extensive area, but Marron was not found. According to members of the San Diego Paddleboard Community, Danny was very experienced and family shared that he knew the route like the back of his hand.
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Marron is a Professor at Arizona Western College, and AWC officials shared the following in a released statement: "Professor Marron is a beloved member of our college and Yuma community, and we are rallying together in support. We send love and comfort to Danny and his loved ones during this time and will continue supporting our students and colleagues who have been impacted by him."
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Marron's wife, Aryca Arizaga is also a Professor at AWC, and they have a daughter named Luna. An outpouring of love and support from the Yuma and San Diego communities has been constant since Marron's disappearance was made public. Family members have established a Gofundme account: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-find-danny-support-his-family
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MOTORCYCLIST DIES IN COLLISION
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On Monday, February 17, 2025, at about 10:41 a.m., Yuma Police officers responded to an injury collision in the 6400 block of E Gila Ridge Road.
The initial investigation revealed that a 41-year-old male, riding a 2008 Yamaha V Star motorcycle, was traveling westbound in the 6400 block of E Gila Ridge Road when he attempted to pass two vehicles in a no passing zone. A 2025 Peterbilt Tractor Trailer, driven by a 58-year-old male, was also traveling westbound ahead of the motorcycle on Gila Ridge Road and began to make a lefthand turn into a business when the motorcycle collided with it.
The motorcycle rider was transported to Onvida Health where he was later pronounced deceased. There were no other reported injuries.
This case is still under investigation. Speed appears to be a factor. It is unknown if impairment is a factor at this time.
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.
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VEHICLE VS. BUILDING
On Monday, February 17, 2025, at about 6:27 a.m., Yuma Police officers responded to a call in reference to a vehicle colliding into a building in the 1400 block of E 16th Street.
The initial investigation revealed that a 21-year-old male, driving a 2015 Dodge Challenger, went into the south side of Ninja Sushi causing significant damage to the building. The building was unoccupied at the time of the collision. The driver and only occupant of the vehicle was uninjured. A medical issue appears to be a contributing factor.
Neither speed nor alcohol appears to be a factor.
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HIGHWAY 95 WIDENING PROJECT IS COMPLETED
The Arizona Department of Transportation has completed a $23.9 million improvement project to expand capacity on US 95 between Yuma and the Yuma Proving Ground, the area’s top civilian employer.
The project transformed about 3 miles of US 95 northeast of Yuma from one to two lanes in each direction, plus a center turning lane, between Rifle Range Road to the Wellton-Mohawk Canal bridge. The project included a new bridge over the canal.
The work was partly funded by a $13.3 million U.S. Department of Defense grant as part of its Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program, which is a competitive grant program designed to address deficiencies in community infrastructure that support a military installation’s sustainability.
The improvements included a related project completed in 2022 that widened 3.6 miles of US 95 between Avenue 9E and Fortuna Wash. ADOT split the improvements in two parts to minimize delays for agricultural users, as well as the adjacent urban and military areas.
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DEMONSTRATORS EXPRESS CONCERNS ABOUT MASS DEPORTATION
Concerns about potential mass deportations in Arizona have intensified following President Donald Trump's recent immigration policies. The administration has initiated large-scale deportations, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducting raids in major cities.
On February 2, 2025, Yuma residents gathered at the intersection of 4th Avenue and 16th Street, near the Yuma Mesa Shopping Center, to protest recent ICE raids and the broader immigration crackdown. Demonstrators expressed their opposition to the current administration's mass deportation plans, highlighting concerns over the treatment of undocumented individuals.
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OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at approximately 12:08 PM, the United States Marshals Service, with the assistance of U.S. Border Patrol, Yuma Police Department, and Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, served an arrest warrant in the 10200 Block of E. 37th Street when a shooting disturbance occurred.
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The suspect of the warrant was wanted for a double homicide out of Tucson, AZ. During the service of the arrest warrant, two unrelated individuals exited the home, while the suspect was observed near the front door but retreated inside the home.
During further callout attempts, the suspect was non-compliant to verbal commands and stepped out of the residence armed with a rifle. The suspect then fired multiple rounds at law enforcement officers. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect, and stopped the threat.
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The suspect, David McKinney, 48, of Tucson, AZ, was pronounced deceased on scene. Next of kin has been notified.
The Yuma Regional Critical Incident Response Team was activated and assumed the investigation.
No injuries to law enforcement officers or other community members were reported. The Deputies involved in the shooting have been placed on modified duty.
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The Yuma Regional Critical Incident Response Team is an independent team comprised of trained law enforcement investigators from multiple agencies in the region to ensure a transparent, comprehensive, unbiased and complete investigation concerning our officer’s actions.
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LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES PROVIDE STATS FOR 2022-2024
On January 22, 2025, we had Sgt. Guerra and Tania Pavlak with the Yuma County Sheriff's Office on the Today in Yuma show. I reached out to local law enforcement agencies and asked them to provide stats from reports they have taken since 2022. I wanted a 3-year comparison so we could see how the different categories vary from year to year. If you missed the interview, you can watch it via this link (YCSO appears at the 32:00 mark): https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.blackwell.7792/videos/1124573372662931
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The attached stats include Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Somerton Police Department-Arizona and San Luis AZ Police Department.
If you have any questions about the different categories, feel free to inquire and I will do my best to find answers. I will also provide information from other departments once the info becomes available.
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