Latest on the suspect arrested after allegedly shooting at YCSO helicopter
Manoah Tuiasosopo
YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – There are new developments in the suspect who was arrested after allegedly shooting at a Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) helicopter.
The shooting happened in the area of E. Calle Santa Clara last Friday, June 13, while YCSO deputies conducted routine patrols using their Bell 505 Helicopter.
During their patrol, YCSO says one of the deputies saw someone standing outside “pointing at the helicopter,” which then they heard “an impact to the aircraft and noticed debris inside the cabin due to damage.”
Following this, the deputies safely landed at a hangar a crew found a puncture in the cabin, confirming the aircraft was shot with a gun.
YCSO’s Criminal Investigations Bureau took over the investigation, leading to the suspect to be identified as a 51-year-old Dateland man.
The suspect was then arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center on three counts of first-degree attempted murder. He is being held on a bond of $1 million.
While there were no injures reported, the investigation is still ongoing.
If anyone has information about the case, call YCSO at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous, or visit YCSO’s website to submit an anonymous tip.