Yuma police remember first officer killed on duty 39 years ago

Published April 9, 2025 4:50 PM

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - April 9 marks 39 years since the first officer with the Yuma Police Department was killed in the line of duty.

Yuma police say Officer Gary Maas was killed on April 9, 1986.

Police say he responded to a call regarding a bullet found at a local greyhound depot.

When he showed up, he confronted two men.

One of those men shot him to death right before the officer shot one of the suspects.

The second suspected was arrested and convicted of first-degree murder. He's now serving two consecutive life terms in prison.

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Danyelle Burke North joined the KYMA team in March 2024 as a reporter.

If you have any story ideas, you can contact her at danyelle.burke-north@kecytv.com.

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