Man who climbed roof to escape police in court

The man who climbed onto the roof of the Yuma Mesa Shopping Center Monday to avoid being arrested by Yuma police was charged with a felony and two misdemeanors in Yuma Justice Court Friday.

Christopher Tortorici Jr., 31, was charged with a felony count of possession of drug paraphernalia for allegedly having a glass pipe with meth residue, as well as two misdemeanor counts, one for criminal damage and another for criminal trespass.

Tortorici, was is being held on $7,445 bond Friday and was appointed a public defender to represent him. His next court date was set for 4 p.m. on July 13.

Tuesday morning, Yuma police responded to a report of a suspicious subject near the rear of the Yuma Mesa Shopping Center in the 1600 block of South 4th Avenue.

Once on scene officers located Tortorici climbing a ficus tree. Officers attempted to speak with Tortorici but 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 and eventually took Tortorici into custody.

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.