Drug suspect also may face drive-by charges

A Yuma man arrested on unrelated drug charges could also face charges in a gang-related drive-by shooting that happened nearly two months ago.

Christian Romero made his initial appearance Tuesday in Yuma Justice Court, where he was advised by Justice of the Peace David Cooper that the county attorney's office was reviewing his case to determine what, if any, charges would be filed.

Romero was arrested Monday morning by Yuma police when he was pulled over during a routine traffic stop in the vicinity of 8th Avenue and Avenue B.

The Yuma County Sheriff's Office has identified Romero as a suspect in a shooting near 5th Street and Vaughn Avenue on May 31 that sent one man to the hospital.

"YCSO had an attempt to locate out on (Romero)," said Yuma Police Department spokesman Officer Clint Norred.

"We were informed YPD had him in custody so we added our charges," said Capt. Eben Bratcher, spokesman for the Yuma County Sheriff's Office.

Cooper informed Romero that the sheriff's office was asking prosecutors to file charges of attempted murder and participating in a criminal street gang against him, both of which are felonies.

As of Tuesday afternoon, however, no formal complaint had been filed against Romero. Prosecutors have until Thursday to do so. Cooper set Romero's bond at $48,654.

According to Bratcher, the shooting happened in the early morning hours of May 31.  Romero is believed to have walked up to the victim, shooting him twice, once in the lower back and once in the buttocks.

The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

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James Gilbert can be reached at
jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.