Suspect arrested after allegedly shooting at YCSO helicopter
Marcos Icahuate
DATELAND, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Around 7:00 am last Friday, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) says they were performing a routine aerial patrol when a deputy spotted a man pointing at them from below.
Shortly after they heard an impact and noticed debris within the cabin.
Tania Pavlak, with YCSO, says “They examined the helicopter after being able to safely land and that’s when they determined that they were hit a projectile,”.
With help from the Border Patrol and the Yuma and Cocopah Police Departments, a search warrant was served at the location where the man was seen.
There, they arrested a 51-year-old man who is now in custody facing several federal counts.
“Because there were three people aboard the helicopter, the suspect is now facing three counts of attempted murder,” Pavlak explained.
The helicopter is unmarked and is one of many methods the Sheriff’s use to do their job.
The agency’s only helicopter has been leased since 2023 and it’s primarily used for border surveillance.
We were able to speak with the suspect’s son who says that the unmarked aircraft was flying extremely low and caused his father to go into a panic.
Aaron Prince says “My father didn’t have any intention on killing anybody or taking out any law enforcement. It’s just one big misunderstanding,”.
The suspect has no existing priors and his son says they have family members in law enforcement.
His son says they believe the aircraft violated air traffic regulations.
“They flew extremely low and then when they came close to the property, they turned their transponder off, their location tracking, and then when they left, they turned it right back on. To me that seems something devious,” Prince shared.
YCSO makes it clear that any behavior similar to this is a federal offense.
“It could be a federal offense even if a laser is pointed. Do not point anything that can obstruct the view of the pilot or can cause damage to the aircraft,” Pavlak states.
The motive is still under investigation and the suspect is currently being held on a $1,000,000 bond.
YCSO says the aircraft must undergo repairs before returning to its duties.
No injuries were reported, according to YCSO.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call YCSO at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.