Man arrested on roof of Yuma shopping center

A 31-year-old man was arrested Monday morning after climbing to the roof of the Yuma Mesa Shopping Center to avoid arrest.

According to Sgt. Clint Norred, a spokesman for the Yuma Police Department, at about 10:09 a.m. police responded to a report of a suspicious subject near the rear of the shopping center in the 1600 block of South 4th Avenue.

Norred said officers located a man now identified as Christopher Tortorici, of Yuma, climbing a ficus tree. Officers attempted to speak with Tortorici but said he was uncooperative and continued climbing until he reached the roof of the building.

Aided by the Yuma Fire Department, police made their way to the building's roof, eventually took Tortorici into custody and brought him back down.

“He ran across the roof a few times in attempt to avoid us,” Norred said.

Tortorici was transported to the Yuma Regional Medical Center as a precaution.

He faces charges of criminal trespass, criminal nuisance, criminal damage, disorderly conduct, and possession of a dangerous drug and drug paraphernalia.

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.