Month: June 2025

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.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The United States Army reports that recruitment levels are at their highest level within the last 15 years, and local recruiters are sharing why more young people are joining the service.

In early June, the Army met its fiscal 2025 recruiting goals four months early, signing 61,000 contracts for new active-duty soldiers.

Army officials say the accomplishment marks an important turning point for them and shows that young Americans have a renewed sense of purpose and patriotism.

“Peace has to be brought up to the table, and that’s what we’re here for. To bring peace and stability to the world,” says Staff Sgt. Rigoberto Montoya, a U.S. Army Recruiter in Yuma.

Local recruiters in Yuma talked about what they believe is the cause of these increased enrollments.

Staff Sgt. Bernardo Figueroa says this day in age, recruitment efforts are taking on a new approach.

“Obviously, this is a military job, but we remove the stigmas out of the equation. We humanize it and talk to people like they’re human beings. We genuinely care about their career paths and we advise them. Honestly, just being a genuine person is what helps us here in Yuma,” he says.

Staff Sgt. Montoya says Army recruitment out of Yuma is steady, offering local youth an opportunity to expand their horizons.

He explains, “Some people don’t want to stay here forever. They want to go and explore the world and have an adventure. My goal is find the best applicants out there and bring them to the team.”

For those who may be considering joining the service, the recruiters say to them, don’t be intimidated.

“Here at the station, you’re not going to sign a contract. Ask the right questions. If this is something you want to do, we’ll guide you through the process. If not, we’re still going to guide you on your career path,” Staff Sgt. Figueroa shares.

Just this past weekend, around 20 local enlistees took the oath were sworn in at the Army Birthday Bash in Yuma, joining the next generation of Army soldiers to protect defend our nation.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Day three in the trial of the twin brothers charged with murdering a Yuma teen.

One of the police officers who arrived at the scene took the stand. The officer answered questions from both the prosecution and defense.

He says he responded to the scene and saw one suspect jumping into the front yard of house, the suspect admitted to having a gun.

“During the pat-down, I did feel a gun in the groin area of the subject. Due to the circumstances that I just mentioned, I decided to remove that firearm from the subject,” said Officer Ricardo Castillo.

25-year-old David and Adrian Perez-Arzola are both charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault, and attempted armed robbery.

If found guilty of first-degree murder, the twins could face a maximum punishment of life without parole.

Opening statements began on June 11.

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Adrik Vargas

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – A group of local adults are being recognized in Calexico for a major step forward, learning English.

At a recent “Ceremonia de Logro” held at Camarena Memorial Library, students celebrated the progress they’ve made in a beginner-level English course.

Many of them are working adults and immigrants who carved out time from their busy lives to take on the challenge.

“Once you’re there in the course, you realize, you know what, it’s not as hard as I thought,” said Kimberly, one of the students honored. “So I invite everyone and I motivate everyone, cause if I can do it so can you.”

The program is a shared effort between Educación Continua 16 de Septiembre and the Mexican Consulate in Calexico.

Andrés Daniel Ruelas Yanez, director of the group, says English is essential in the Imperial Valley.

“Here English is the primary language so you have to learn how to communicate and I know with this our fellow nationals will have more opportunities not just personally, but job wise too,” he said.

Teacher Pamela Garcia, who works closely with the students, says it takes more than just showing up to class.

“One of the main advices I can give is practice, stop being shy about other circumstances, because no matter how hard or difficult it can be, there’s always a chance to practice,” she explained.

For Kimberly, the ceremony marked more than just a certificate, it was a personal victory.

“I’m so grateful to my teacher, with this program that gave me this opportunity because it was a goal I set for myself,” she said. “I said, ‘You know what? If I can do this in four months, then keep going. I’m gonna get it done.'”

As the clapping and cheers filled the library, students walked away with more than recognition, they left believing they can accomplish even more.

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