Teen arrested on drug, weapon and gang charges

A 17-year-old Yuma boy is in custody on weapons, drug and gang charges after being detained for questioning in two attempted homicide investigations that occurred earlier this year, Yuma police said.

Adrian Covarrubias was detained by police Thursday afternoon in the 600 block of south 20th Avenue for questioning in an attempted homicide on May 11 at 5th Street and 17th Avenue and another on June 9 at 4593 W. 17th Lane, said police.

He was later booked in the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center on suspicsion of misconduct with weapons, possession of dangerous drugs for sale and participation in a criminal street gang, police said.

Covarrubias was one of three 17-year-olds police had been seeking in connection with the attempted homicides, which remain under investigation.

The other two - identified as Hector Contreras and Edgar Gutierrez - were arrested last month on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder and participating in a criminal street gang, police said.

Their arrests came after police served search warrants  in the 600 block of South 20th Ave., 400 block of North Figueroa Avenue, and 500 block South of 41st Drive. The searches turned up a handgun, several rifles, illegal drugs and stolen property, police said.

Police are asking anyone with information relating to the investigation to call Detectives Kohmetscher or  Wilcher at 373-4670 or, to remain anonymous, 78-Crime.