Category: kyma-local-news

Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A man who allegedly shot at a Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) helicopter earlier this month is facing new charges.

According to YCSO, he was originally facing three counts of first-degree attempted murder, but those charges were not filed.

Instead, he is facing seven counts, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, endangerment and disorderly conduct.

The man was arrested on June 13 after he allegedly shot at a YCSO helicopter, carrying three deputies, while on routine aerial patrol.

He will be back in court next Monday, June 30, to be formally charged.

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Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Locals throughout Yuma County share mixed reviews about the United States bombing of Iran.

Some locals, like Latosha Hosko. fear the retaliation could have led to more violence.

“Now we have to be terrified and pray every day that nothing happens and leave it in God’s hands you know, there’s only so much we can do you know, I didn’t vote for him,” said Hosko.

While other locals like Walt Loomis feel it’s something that needed to be done.

“I thought it was necessary because they kept threatening us for the last 40 years, and they were getting very close to a nuclear bomb, that could have wiped out half the country,” said Loomis.

Arizona State Senator Tim Dunn says he supports the move made by the president, saying if Iran has nuclear weapons, it’s not a safe situation for anyone.

“That is an exponential threat to the United States and the world, and we need to continue to remove the rest of those sites and this sends a message that we’re not going to tolerate that, and that’s why I think the world is a safer place,” Sen. Dunn says.

Meanwhile U.S Senators took to the social media platform X to share their displeasure with the decision.

“The American people do not want to be dragged into another endless war in the Middle East. I would know. I saw close friends die next to me serving as a Marine in a high-combat unit in Iraq. Each of these deaths was needless,” said Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego via X.

“Trump’s decision to bomb Iran without bringing a plan to Congress and without using all our diplomatic options risks escalation that puts thousands of American troops and families at risk,” added Arizona Senator Mark Kelly.

You can see Kelly’s statement here.

Meanwhile, Governor Katie Hobbs said in a statement on Sunday, “Earlier today, I joined a call with [Sec. Kristi Noem] and fellow governors to discuss threats linked to Iran. I appreciate the Administration’s coordination. Arizona remains vigilant and prepared to protect our communities and critical infrastructure from physical and cyber threats.”

However, it is important to note that since the interviews and statements have been conducted both Israel and Iran have come to a ceasefire.

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Adrik Vargas

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The City of El Centro has changed a local ordinance, giving police the ability to charge people with a misdemeanor if they refuse services like rehab or mental health support.

City officials say the goal is to reduce public nuisance issues, not to criminalize homelessness.

“Where would they go? If they have a place to take them then that would be awesome to do that, it would force some people to get assistance,” said local resident Jose Rodriguez.

But some community members are concerned the change could do more harm than good.

“I think that charging them with a misdemeanor for refusing services is just gonna further their challenges, like trying to get jobs,” said Valerie Sanchez, another local resident.

Others believe more investment in services would be a better solution.

“I think as long as we continue to offer support and put funding into mental health resources and our Veterans, that might be better for all of us,” said Gannon Strong, another local resident.

Another concerned local, Miriam Silva, added, “I think it’d be better to incentivize them than punish them.”

City officials say support services will continue to be offered, and this ordinance is just one tool to address ongoing issues.

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Karina Bazarte

HEBER, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Multiple fires broke out in Heber destroying several vehicles.

Multiple trucks that were loaded caught on fire and quickly spread to a mobile home and a nearby field.

“Immediately escalating the fire to a second alarm incident and then up into a third alarm a few mins after that,” said Cedric Ceseña with the Imperial County Fire Department (ICFD).

ICFD does not know what the two trucks had inside as it is still under investigation.

Residents say they heard a loud explosion and after reported a fire smell.

“Multiple explosions it is unknown but some of that can be tires it could have been the trucks it is unknown at this time,” said Ceseña.

They also say they jumped into action by telling their neighbor to evacuate.

We spoke to the property owner where the trailer is located and she says her sister in law is currently living in the trailer home.

She says she was coming from San Diego when her sister in law called her.

“She said that there was a fire in the back but she didn’t say that the trailer had caught on fire maybe she didn’t know yet,” said the owner.

Imperial Fire Department (IFD) says the fire started around 2:00 p.m. and it’s about 30% contained.

IFD says about 14 customers have no power.

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Michelle Leal

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Fourth of July is less than two weeks out and local authorities are once again urging everyone to be cautious when using fireworks.

Illegal fireworks are anything that shoot up in the air and explode. Using firearms is also illegal and can cause accidents.

David Padilla with the Yuma Fire Department outlines some precautions to take when using fireworks.

“Be familiar with the fireworks that you’re using. Make sure that you’re using them in a safe space. We don’t want people using them near brush, near dry grass and then safety thing, glasses make sure that you’re wearing gloves protect yourself. Don’t try to relight any firework that didn’t go off And keep a bucket of water nearby.”

David Padilla, Yuma Fire Department

The sale and use of fireworks begins Tuesday, June 24, and ends on July 6.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma is reminding community members and outdoor enthusiasts about the requirements for recreational access when using the Barry M. Goldwater Range West (BMGR-W).

MCAS Yuma says this is due to an increase of multiple military units and government agencies in and around BMGR-W.

“Unauthorized access not only endangers the public, but it also interferes with critical mission readiness,” MCAS Yuma says.

MCAS Yuma is offering the following safety information to the public when using BMGR-West:

A range permit is required for any recreational use of BMGR-West, including hiking, off-roading, and wildlife viewing.

Permits must be printed and kept in your vehicle while on the range.

Visitor should be prepared to present their permit if approached by military or federal agency personnel while on the BMGR-W.

All visitors are required to check in and check out online for each visit to ensure public safety and accountability.

To obtain a permit, which is free of charge, click here. For additional information about safe and legal access to the range, click here.

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Marcos Icahuate

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A man has died following a crash where speeding and impairment were factors, according to Yuma Police Department (YPD).

The man was identified as 37-year-old Richard Wagner.

At about 3:00 p.m. on June 18, officers were called about a crash between an SUV and a motorcycle in the area of W. 32nd Street and S. 8th Avenue.

YPD says a 59-year-old woman driving a Mazda was driving westbound on 32nd street when she turned left onto S. 8th avenue, and crashed into Wagner driving a Yamaha motorcycle.

Wagner was taken to Onvida Health with serious injuries.

YPD says the driver of the Mazda was impaired and the motorcyclist was speeding.

No other injuries were reported, according to YPD.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call YPD at (928) 783-4421 or 78-CRIME at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

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Samuel Kirk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – It’s been over a month since Eric Martinez was critically injured in a hit-and-run, and this weekend, the community stepped up to show their support.

A fundraiser tournament to benefit Martinez, 48, was held Sunday at the Eagles Lodge in Yuma.

The washoe event drew dozens of teams and hundreds of supporters, all raising money to help cover medical expenses for Martinez.

The tournament featured a double-elimination format, raffles, cash prizes, and a barbecue, with plenty of love from family, friends, and strangers alike.

“I’m overwhelmed when I brought Eric in. He was overwhelmed, you know. It brought a tear to my eye, you know, so many people…they all hadn’t seen him and people have reached out to us, prayers and everything. It’s great,” said Larry Munoz, Martinez’s stepfather.

Family members say the support they’ve received since the incident has been overwhelming.

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Dillon Fuhrman

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) is investigating a crash where two people were injured.

The crash happened at around 2:05 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of W. County 14th Street and S. Somerton Avenue.

YCSO says a white 2014 Chevy Silverado was driving northbound on S. Somerton Avenue, “through the intersection at W. County 14th Street,” when a marked U.S. Border Patrol truck driving westbound “failed to stop at a red light at the intersection.”

The U.S. Border Patrol truck hit the Silverado, causing the truck to rollover and crash into a traffic light post “where it came to a stop,” YCSO says.

According to YCSO, both drivers of the truck and Silverado suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Onvida Health by the Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department. YCSO also says, “There were no other passengers.”

While impairment did not factor in the crash, the investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information regarding the case, call YCSO at (928) 783-4427, call 78-CRIME to remain anonymous, or visit YCSO’s website to submit an anonymous tip.

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Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Just in time for the summer, a new frozen yogurt shops has opened its doors in Yuma Saturday.

Chillzz Frozen Yogurt offers an assortment of fresh new flavors along with a multitude of delicious toppings.

Locals flooded in to cool off and get a look at Yuma’s newest frozen yogurt shop, located at 1450 S. 4th Avenue.

Angelica Luna, the shop’s owner, says she wants locals to come in and stay for a while.

“We try to make it like very friendly and open, so people can come and not just get the frozen yogurt, but also stay and have a good time, talk with each other, and enjoy the treat,” Luna explained.

This is the second yogurt shop to open in Yuma County, with the first one being Frozz Frozen Yogurt opening in San Luis last weekend.

To learn more about Chillzz Frozen Yogurt, click here.

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