Suspects in Circle K attack and Woodard burglary make court appearances

A bond of $1 million has been set for the suspect in an attack on a clerk Saturday afternoon at the Circle K at 379 W. 1st St.

Raphael Gabriel Polk III, 23, made his initial appearance in court Sunday, where he was advised he faces charges of attempted homicide and aggravated assault. Justice of the Peace Pro Tem James Montgomery set bond at $1 million and advised Polk his next court appearance will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Justice Court.

The incident occurred shortly before 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Polk entered the store, went behind the counter and tried to stab the female clerk, then punched her in the face several times, according to the Yuma police Department. Polk then fled the scene but was apprehended nearby and arrested.

The victim, Vanessa Rojas, said at the hearing that she did not know her attacker or why he might have attacked her. She sustained a cut to her back and bruises on her face.

The suspect in a burglary Saturday morning at Woodard Junior High, 2250 S. 8th Ave., also had his initial appearance in court Sunday. Ernest Eugene Herrera, 20, was advised that he faces charges of third-degree burglary and aggravated criminal damage. Bond was set at $73,665.

Herrera was arrested at the school Saturday morning when police officers responded to a report of a burglary at 8:50 a.m. Officers found that the school and property had been heavily damaged. Damage was estimated at more than $150,000, according to YPD.

Anyone with more information about either case is asked to call YPD at 783-4421 or 78-CRIME.