Category: kyma-local-news

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.

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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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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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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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Danyelle Burke North

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – El Centro is celebrating Black history and culture.

The Imperial Valley Social Justice Committee hosted a Juneteenth event with soul food, singers, performances by line and folklorico dancers, local vendors, an African fashion show, and more.

The County Board of Supervisors President, John Hawk, and a Jeff Gonzalez assembly member representative also presented Juneteenth proclamations. There were special Opal Lee awards presented to outstanding community leaders.

“This event has been a blessing to get the people out,” said local Rosalind Summers. “Just a lot of love, a lot of friends you see, and just the purpose of Juneteenth, you know, for us to have our freedom.”

Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrated on June 19, also known as “Emancipation” or “Freedom Day.”

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Kids can enjoy longer hours of fun this summer! The Children’s Museum of Yuma County is extending their Wednesday summer hours to help families.

They offer a variety of children’s activities like yoga, paint classes, cool critter day with a mystery animal for kids to interact with, and more.

“So we’re staying open late for our working parents, working caregivers, grandparents that maybe prefer to go out a little later at night. Maybe it’s cooling down, so we’re just trying to see what people respond to,” said Sabra Lemmon, Executive Director the Children’s Museum. “If it’s going well, we’ll keep it, and if it’s not, we’ll just call those summer hours.”

They will now be open Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. They say a new playground is also expected to be ready sometime this summer.

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Dillon Fuhrman

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A frozen yogurt shop held a grand opening ceremony in San Luis, Arizona this weekend.

According to the City of San Luis’ Facebook post, Frozz Frozen Yogurt, located at Plaza Colobri Bldg 1, 469 N Avenue E, suite #3 & #4, opened to the public Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Courtesy: City of San Luis

Courtesy: City of San Luis

Following the ceremony, Frozz Frozen Yogurt posted to social media saying, “WE ARE ENDLESSLY GRATEFUL FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT! We are so happy that you enjoyed our #grandinauguration with us.”

The shop will open Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. To learn more about the shop, click here.

Courtesy: City of San Luis

Courtesy: City of San Luis

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Honoring the long standing history and traditions the United States Army, the Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) and the Colorado River State Historic Park collaborated Saturday to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday bash.

The event featured interactive booths and static displays of vintage military vehicles, artillery, and equipment.

Local children and their families were able to learn about the Army’s and YPG’s historic ties to Yuma.

Sergeant First Class Cody Shew with the Airborne Test Force at YPG spent his day speaking with locals and shares what this 250th anniversary means to him.

“250 years of freedom. The Army has been at the forefront making sure that we’ve defended democracy, our own, you know, starting 250 years ago, all the way up until now, 250 and counting, that’s correct,” SFC Shew shared.

The event began with a cutting of the birthday cake along with a swear-in ceremony of local U.S. Army recruits.

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Michelle Leal

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – These are some of the things you can find at the first Salvation Army center in San Luis, expanding its social support network in the region. This space will support families in vulnerable situations.

The Salvation Army is a religious and social assistance service that provides help to people in a variety of situations, including poverty, homelessness, addiction, and other social issues.

This help center in San Luis will provide food pantry services and financial assistance in case of emergencies.

“We are very excited to have this customer-choice food pantry here in San Luis. Our amazing volunteers and staff are here to help people make the best choices. When clients come, they will have to register and provide identification for all household members and proof of address only the first time they come, and then they can return every 30 days to receive a box of food,” said Amber Herzog, leader of the Salvation Army center in San Luis.

Donations came from Walmart, Riedel Construction and the Yuma Rotary Club, among others. Thanks to them, the opening of this center was made possible.

The office is located at 1910 Cesar Chavez Blvd.

Anyone interested in donating or volunteering at Salvation Army can check out their website here.

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