Yuma police arrest two suspects in recent rash of vehicle burglaries

Yuma police have arrested two individuals whom they believe are responsible for a rash of recent vehicle burglaries that had been happening throughout the city.

On Jan. 31, the Yuma Police Department Investigations unit received information that 20-year-old Kenny Perez and 16-year-old Christian Gomez were in possession of a stolen firearm, a shotgun and other possibly stolen items.

Acting on that information, Yuma Police officers and detectives then made contact with Perez at his residence, where they found not only found the shotgun and firearm, but also additional property from other burglaries.

Perez was arrested and booked at the Yuma County Detention Center on several felony charges.

Then on Feb. 1, Yuma Police officers and detectives went to Gomez's residence. During a search of his home, they found several more stolen items. Gomez was arrested and booked at the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center on several felonies.

The vehicle burglaries, which mostly happened to unlocked vehicles, consisted of the thieves taking items such as electronic devices, stereos and other valuables.

The Yuma Police Department encourages people to always lock their vehicles and remove any valuables.

Anyone with any information about these cases is asked to please call Detective Chuck Ordonez at (928) 373-4764, Detective Ernie Rangel (928) 373-4670 or 78-Crime to remain anonymous. Yuma police are also asking residents who live in the Barkley Ranch and Cibola Heights neighborhoods to contact Detective Chuck Ordonez if their vehicle was burglarized, as many seized items are still pending identification.