Man shot in Wellton, wife arrested
Officers from the Wellton Police Department are investigating what caused a woman to allegedly shoot her husband Tuesday night during a heated argument.
Gail Helen Eldridge, 58, is accused of attempted murder, aggravated assault and endangerment, of all which are per domestic violence.
"We were able to respond quickly and intervened before the situation could worsen," said Lt. Cannon Ball, of the Wellton Police Department. "The victim is lucky to be alive, considering where he was shot."
At about 6:15 p.m., Wellton officers responded to 28585 E. County 11th St., Space 115. They found 49-year-old Scott Eldridge shot once in the chest with a .38-caliber revolver.
Wellton Sgt. David Rodriguez said officers also found Gail Eldridge at the residence. She is the man’s wife and was uninjured. Rodriguez added that even though the investigation is ongoing, police believe that the information obtained after their arrival strongly indicates the shooting was domestic-violence related.
"This was the first time we had ever responded to that residence," Rodriguez said. "We don’t know what the argument was about. What we do know is they got into a verbal altercation, which escalated and she allegedly shot him."
Scott Eldridge was airlifted to Yuma Regional Medical Center and immediately taken into surgery. Rodriguez said he was told by YRMC on Wednesday morning that Eldridge was in stable condition and expected to survive.
Gale Eldridge made her initial appearance in Wellton Justice Court on Wednesday, where she was informed of the charges against her. She is due back Friday for her arraignment, at which time she will be told whether a criminal complaint had been filed against her.
"Domestic violence crosses all demographics," said Ball. "I encourage anyone that believes he or she is in a violent relationship to seek help before such a tragic incident occurs in their lives. As an agency, we want to and can help victims of domestic violence as well as many other agencies in Yuma County, just give all of us an opportunity."
Also responding to Tuesday night’s call were the Wellton Fire Department, Tri-Valley Ambulance and the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.
