Category: kyma-local-news

Karina Bazarte

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) – Locals in Brawley had to be evacuated for about an hour after police found a replica grenade.

The Brawley Police Department (BPD) says the incident started after an anonymous caller reported seeing a man walking with a machete, and another person bleeding from the hand near A and Second Street Monday. 

When officers arrived they did not see the suspect or the victim. The victim was found on a different street with no injuries.

“They refused medical aid on scene and were denying any involvement…collaborating with who the suspect might be,” said Mark Storms, investigator with BPD.

BPD says they later found a machete outside a home. That is when they decided to look around the home and found a replica grenade. 

“Both the Imperial County Bomb Squad and Fire Department arrived on scene. Approximately about an hour later, they were to determine that the grenade was in fact a replica, however, just because of the appearance of the grenade possibly due to weather, the heat in the valley, as well as the grenade being taped, it did appear to be a life grenade at first glance,” said Storms.

BPD say one person was arrested, but could not give more information on the charges.

This case is still under investigation.

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Karina Bazarte

EL CENTRO (KYMA) – The man accused of entering the Imperial County Administration building with a firearm is heading to trial.

57-year-old Jerry Lopez appeared in court for his preliminary hearing last week. The judge was able to find enough evidence to move forward to a trial.

Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez says Lopez is being charged with a felony and four misdemeanors.

“The most important which is count number one which is a felony. It’s Penal Code Section 171B, possession of a firearm in a public building, so that is what we call a 1623 sentence, which means his maximum exposure on that would be three years in state prison,” Marquez expressed.

Lopez is being held at the Imperial County Jail with a bail amount of $250,000.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – On Tuesday, the father and sister accused of murdering a Yuma man over the weekend appeared in court for the first time.

24-year-old Michael Patrick Reiter was murdered last Friday night.

Both suspects were booked on one count of first-degree murder. The sister also faces one count of hindering prosecution.

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) shares why this is considered a murder.

“The investigation revealed that it was more than likely premeditates, that it was a planned event, leading up to the events,” said Lt. Sam Pavlak, Commander of YCSO’s Criminal Investigations Bureau.

The father is being held on a $1 million bond while the sister is being held on a $500,000 bond.

Both are scheduled to be back in court on Thursday.

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Adrik Vargas

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – For 15 years, Arizona Western College’s (AWC) migrant student program has helped young people start college. Now, it’s future is uncertain.

The College Assistance Migrant Program, or CAMP, provides housing, meals, Wi-Fi, and academic support.

Each year, it gives scholarships to about 80 students, with the college stepping in to cover their second year. The program also helps “adopted” students who don’t qualify for the scholarship but still need guidance.

“They give us the confidence to believe that we can actually do this. And without that, it would be more likely impossible to achieve,” said First Generation student Alyssa Hernandez.

AWC is covering costs this year, but funding beyond that is unclear. President Trump’s budget proposal for 2026 calls for eliminating CAMP and other similar programs nationwide. That leaves AWC, which serves the largest number of migrant students in the state, especially vulnerable.

“Our students are successful because they have a group of people rallied around them. And I just get sad thinking about students who won’t get that support,” said CAMP Academic Advisor Rafael Encinas.

Encinas says the program helps students grow into confident adults. For Hernandez, it has given her the courage to dream big.

“My dream is to become the next state superintendent of Arizona. I wasn’t meant to be here. But truly, they have showed me that I’m worth while,” she said.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – The San Luis Police Department (SLPD) is investigating a crash where one person died and two others were injured.

SLPD says the crash happened Tuesday at around 1:40 p.m. in the area of Los Alamos Street and Edais Street.

SLPD says a 17-year-old was driving a black 2014 Ford Mustang and lost control while driving eastbound on Los Alamos Street.

Upon arrival, SLPD says officers pronounced the driver dead at the scene, and two other passengers in the vehicle were taken to Onvida Health and are now in stable condition. 

While there is no report if speed or alcohol played a role in the crash, the case remains under investigation.  

Anyone with information regarding this case can contact SLPD at (928) 341-2420 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

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Danyelle Burke North

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and several local organizations are helping save lives and protect mental health.

Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 700,000 people die by suicide every year globally.

“About every 11 minutes, one person dies from suicide in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34. It’s very real. It’s out there,” said Onvida Health’s Dr. Gwendolyn Roberson.

That’s why several local organizations are working together to help save lives. Onvida Health, Sunset Health and local businesses are raising awareness for the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline.

“We are pairing with local businesses to promote awareness by having 988 stickers that have been placed on coffee, various shops, and also might see flyers or signs up about it through the month,” said Dr. Roberson.

The 988 phone number on the stickers connects people with a 24/7 crisis intervention specialist in times of a mental health emergency.

“It’s the suicide crisis hotline. It’s just like calling 911, but it’s specifically for mental health for anyone in crisis,” said Roberson.

The Yuma County Anti-Drug Coalition (YCADC) is another organization focusing on suicide awareness this month through their Q3 campaign.

“We bring agencies together throughout the county and the state,” said YCADC Executive Director Joanne Fiser. “We have plenty of agencies traveling from Tucson and Phoenix to be part of this coalition.”

During their community meeting, local agencies discussed prevention steps like recognizing warning signs, crisis planning, community resources, and how to support families.

The YCADC also provides weekly videos and information posts through their podcast, social media, and website.

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Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A popular restaurant chain is teaming up with an NFL star’s foundation to give back to Arizona communities.

On Monday, September 15, Texas Roadhouse will host a statewide fundraiser benefiting the Kyler Murray Foundation.

From 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., 20 locations across Arizona, including Yuma, will donate 10% of each bill when guests mention the fundraiser.

The foundation supports undeserved youth, Veterans, and cancer patients through programs focused on healing and opportunity. 

In addition, the foundation will be donating five signed jerseys and cleats “as an ‘Enter to Win’ for in-person or order-to-go guests at the fundraiser.”

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Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) is holding its flag tribute Wednesday to honor the lives lost on Sept. 11.

Displayed on the lawn outside Yuma Fire Station #2, each of the flags represent the first responders who died on 9/11.

The flags will be displayed Wednesday, Sept. 10 and will go until Monday, Sept. 15.

Each flag placed on the lawn represents a firefighter or police officer that was killed in the 9/11 attack.

Fire Captain Paul Evancho says, “The thousands of people that were running for their lives, it was gut-wrenching, and even worse you see the firefighters going in the opposite direction, as the people that were fleeing, so you kind of knew, nobody expected the towers to fall, but these guys were going in when everybody was coming out.”

YFD placed down 415 flags for law enforcement and first responders who lost their lives during the 9/11 attack

It’s a memorial set up in an Arlington-type fashion, and YFD has been keeping the tradition for 24 years.

Some firefighters, like Evancho, remember that day a lot differently than most.

“The guy, the newscaster…he clearly didn’t know. He says all the car alarms are going off in the streets, but they weren’t car alarms. They were the air packs for the firefighters that were killed that were caught in the collapse,” describes Evancho.

Yuma locals talked about what goes through their mind when they see the flags placed outside of Station two.

“I mean, I think it’s good to remember what we went through as a country, and all the lives that were lost,” says Nicole Dylan, Yuma local.

YFD hopes people drive by and recognize the memorial and what it symbolizes.

“We want people to remember those men and women, the police officers, the firefighters that gave their lives in the line of duty,” says Evancho.

YFD wants to remind the community to remember and tell the story of the tragic attack on 9/11 because its history we swore we would never forget.

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Dillon Fuhrman

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Calexico Police Department (CPD) is investigating a rise in Hyundai and Kia thefts.

According to a press release, the thefts reflect similar patterns seen nationwide “where certain Hyundai and Kia models,” particularly Sonatas and Elantras, “are being targeted due to the absence of advanced anti-theft technology.”

CPD says, “A major factor behind these thefts has been the spread of ‘how-to’ videos on social mediaplatforms that demonstrate methods for stealing these vehicles,” with the videos, “often shared as part of online ‘challenges,’ fueling the rise in thefts.

As a precaution, CPD is offering residents these four steps to protect their vehicles:

Always lock your car

Park in well-lit areas

Consider using steering wheel locks, arms or aftermarket immobilizers

Report any suspicious behavior immediately

If anyone has information regarding the thefts, call (760) 768-2140.

Press Release HYUNDAI & KIADownload

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Skylar Heisey

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of Yuma is gearing up for the annual 9/11 Heroes Run, an event dedicated to honoring Veterans, first responders, and families of fallen heroes.

Organizers say the run is not only a tribute, but also a way to empower the next generation through mentorship and community service.

Dale Dumo, a retired U.S. Marine officer and Yuma chapter leader for the Travis Manion Foundation, is serving as the race director.

Alongside him, Mark Martinez, Yuma City Councilman, Army Veteran, and retired law enforcement officer, also joined the discussion about the upcoming race and its mission.

“The Travis Manion Foundation empowers Veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations,” Dumo said.

The foundation provides holistic well-being resources and mental health support for veterans, families of the fallen, and civilians inspired to give back.

Martinez emphasized the personal significance of the event saying, “9/11 changed the world. Law enforcement, first responders, firemen…its impact on us was profound. Supporting the youth, Veterans, and first responders through the Travis Manion Foundation is a cause we should always remember.”

Participants in the 5K race will receive race shirts, merch bags, medals for top finishers, and other commemorative items.

Registrations are open until the day of the race, though organizers encourage signing up early to ensure timely distribution of race materials.

The event runs from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on September 13 at the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex East Parking Lot and run along the canal past the Ocean to Ocean Bridge to Gateway Park and back.

For those who prefer not to run, the event will also feature static displays from the Yuma Fire Department, Yuma Police Department, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, Border Patrol, and local vendors. It is free for the public to attend.

For more information or to register, visit travismanion.org, click on “Events,” and select the 9/11 Heroes Run.

The 9/11 Heroes Run offers a chance to honor the past, support veterans and first responders, and make a meaningful impact on the community.

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