Stand-off ends with arrest of Yuma man

A Yuma man was arrested early Thursday morning after a lengthy stand-off with the Yuma Police Department.

Monico Rico, 30, was arrested sometime after 12:30 a.m. by the YPD Special Response Team (SRT) inside a residence at 1420 S. 12th Drive.

He was wanted by police after a domestic disturbance in which he was allegedly involved.

Officers with YPD responded to the disturbance at about 8:40 p.m. Wednesday.

Police observed Rico in the driveway and attempted to approach him. Rico then allegedly ran from police and locked himself inside the residence.

The 1400 block of 12th Drive was cordoned off by police, and the SRT was dispatched to the scene.

SRT personnel, equipped with assault rifles and wearing ballistic armor, surrounded the property and parked a black armored assault vehicle in the front lawn. Police then used a bullhorn to speak to Rico.

“Monico, come out with your hands up ... don't make it any worse,” police said over the loudspeaker. “Do it for your mother. She doesn't want to see you hurt. Come out with your hands up and we will let you talk to her.”

When Rico didn't reply, YPD warned him a police dog would be sent into the home, noting it “will find you.”

Rico did not respond for several hours as police waited patiently outside. After several attempts to coax Rico into coming out of the house voluntarily were exhausted, YPD obtained a warrant to enter the residence. The SRT entered the home and arrested Rico.

Rico was booked into the Yuma County Detention Center and faces charges including assault per domestic violence, disorderly conduct per domestic violence, criminal damage per domestic violence and reckless burning, all of which were related to the original reported domestic disturbance.

YPD encourages anyone with any information about this case to call them at 373-4700, or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.