$250K bond for man accused of firing at cops
An adult male is in custody and a 17-year-old teenager was wounded following an officer-involved shooting late Wednesday night in Yuma. No YPD officers were injured during the incident.
The shooting happened at approximately 10:26 p.m. in the area of 22nd Street and Madison Avenue, according to Sgt. Lori Franklin, a spokesperson for the Yuma Police Department.
Franklin explained that three officers from the Special Operations Group were at the location were at the location documenting graffiti on a wall and collecting evidence.
While there, two male suspects yelled something at the officers from across the street, and suddenly started shooting at them, Franklin said.
“The graffiti is gangrelated. We have not been able to confirm yet if the suspects involved are gang members,” Franklin said.
When officers returned fire, the suspects fled on foot. Both suspects were located and taken into custody.
One of the suspects, a 17-year-old male, has a single gunshot wound that is considered non-life threatening. The second suspect is a 22-year-old male, who has now been identified as Luis German Juarez.
Juarez was booked into the Yuma County jail on charges of attempted 2nd-degree murder, possession of a dangerous drug, possession of a weapon in a drug offense and possession of a weapon by a pro--
hibited possessor.
He also made his initial appearance Thursday afternoon in Yuma Justice Court before Judge R. Erin Farrar, who informed him of the allegations against him.
Judge Farrar also explained to Juarez that the county attorney’s office has until Monday to review the case and decide whether to file a criminal complaint against him, charging him with any offenses.
When asked the state’s position about conditions of release, prosecutor David Salisbury asked that bail be set as a $250,000 cash-only bond, which Judge Farrar agreed to do.
He also told the court that Juarez has a previous failure to appear, a prior felony conviction and was on release on another felony case at the time of the shooting.
This case is still under investigation.
YPD encourages anyone with any information about this case to call them at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 5396854. Find him on Facebook at www. Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.