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2 armed robberies just minutes apart
Yuma police are investigating two armed robberies that happened within a span of about 25 minutes on Sunday, one in which shots were fired.
The first armed robbery occurred at about 3:41 p.m. when two suspects, one armed with a handgun, approached a woman in the parking lot of El Encanto Apartments, 2651 S. 8th Ave., and demanded that she give them her purse.
After taking her belongings, the suspects were last seen running eastbound on 26th Street from the apartment complex. The victim was not injured and the total amount of money and property taken is unknown at this time.
The suspects are described as younger males. The first is about 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a slender build, and approximately 16 to 18 years old. He was wearing a blue knit cap, a white short-sleeved T-shirt and blue baggy pants.
The second suspect was about 5 feet 8 inches tall, with an average build, and approximately 16 to 18 years old. He was wearing a black jacket and blue jeans, with blue basketball shorts underneath.
The second attempt happened at 4:04 p.m. when three suspects, one armed with a handgun, approached a group of men in the 1100 block of South 5th Avenue and demanded that they give up their money and belongings.
One of the victims refused and a struggle ensued with the robber who had the gun. During the struggle, a shot was fired into the air. The suspect then struck the victim once in the side of the head, and the group of robbers fled the scene on foot.
The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated and released on scene by medical personnel. The suspects were unable to take any money or property.
All three suspects in the second incident were men. The subject with the handgun was about 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a medium build, a moustache and approximately 35 to 40 years old. He was wearing a white shirt, black jacket and blue jeans.
The second suspect was about 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a slender build, and approximately 18 to 22 years old. He was wearing a red shirt, red shorts and a red hat.
The third suspect was about 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a slender build, and approximately 18 to 22 years old. He was wearing a white shirt and white shorts.
It is unknown at this time whether the two incidents are related, but officers and detectives are still investigating that possibility.
YPD asks anyone with information about these cases to call 373-4700, or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.
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.
