Man facing charges in false-officer robbery

The Yuma Police Department has arrested one suspect in an armed robbery in which two men claimed to be undercover officers, said a police department spokesman.

According to a news release from YPD, the armed robbery occurred just after noon Saturday in the area of 8th Street and Avenue A.

YPD spokesman Sgt. Clint Norred told the Yuma Sun Monday that two victims in a vehicle were robbed  by the occupants of a tan late-’90s Ford Crown Victoria after the pair blocked the victims' car and claimed to be undercover officers.

Officers with the YPD Gang Unit identified the first suspect as 28-year-old Esteban Duarte. Officers arrested Duarte early Sunday, Norred said.

Norred said Gang Unit officers checked a few locations where they thought Duarte could be and located him at a residence in the 500 block of South 12th Avenue.

According to the release, officers arrested and booked him on charges of armed robbery, aggravated robbery, impersonating a peace officer, assisting a criminal street gang and gang threats.

Officers are still seeking the second suspect, described as a male of medium build and height in his 20s to 30s.

YPD encourages anyone with information about the case to call 783-4421, or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.

Norred said there are many variables when it comes to crime.

"You just need to be vigilant," he said. "You just need to know where you are and what's going on around you."

Use common sense, stay calm and be the best witness possible through mental notes, which the victims in this case did a great job of doing, he said.

"Because that helps us," Norred said. "Generally, compliance is the best route to go, try not to aggravate the situation in getting through it."

If concerned whether any officer from any law enforcement agency is real, he said, people can do several things to make sure.

• Drive slowly to a well-lit area

• Ask to see the officer's badge and identification

• Call the agency or 911 to confirm

Norred said none of those things would be unreasonable to a police officer.

"We try to take steps to giving our identification as clearly as possible. We're usually very public about it."