Lockdown lifted following suspect arrest

The Yuma Police Department said a soft lockdown was lifted at several area schools after a man that fled from law enforcement was found and arrested.

YPD said Tuesday at 11:14 AM, a vehicle was stopped after committing multiple traffic infractions. The vehicle initially stopped in the 2200 block of S. Otondo Drive. After the officer made contact with the driver, police said the driver fled the area in the vehicle. The vehicle was later located north of Arizona Western College after it became disabled.

Upon finding the disabled vehicle officers determined the driver had fled the scene on foot. The suspect fled into the desert area north of several schools in the college park area. Due to the location of the incident and the driver fleeing, multiple schools were placed in a lock down status until the situation was stabilized.

At approximately 11:34 AM the driver was located hiding in the desert north of Gila Ridge High School and was placed under arrest. The affected schools (Desert Mesa, Gila Ridge High School, Otondo Elementary & Castle Dome Middle School) were in a lock down status for approximately five to ten minutes.

This case is currently under investigation.

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.