Solano Homemade Ice Cream Factory helped wounded man

Solano’s Homemade Ice Cream Factory, a local family-owned ice cream shop, has been around four years. Last Thursday, they encountered an incident they have never seen before. A man with a gunshot wound entered their shop begging for help.

Solano’s owner, Teresa Solano, was not at the location when the incident happened, but she speaks on her daughter-in-law’s behalf, who was.

“Since I was not here when this incident happened I have no clue exactly what happened, all I can tell you is yes it was pretty scary for my daughter-in-law because she was here when this incident happened,” shared Solano.

Teresa Solano said though this incident was quite traumatizing, it could very well happen anywhere and to anyone.

“I mean we never experience this before…this could happen at any other business… someone could get shot and ask for help and anybody can help them and this time it was us who helped. The guy came down and asked us for help and we can’t deny any help to anybody, especially when he’s been shot.”

Their call to action helped get the victim to the hospital and save a life.

But, this incident also poses the question of just how much criminal activity goes on in this area? The Yuma Police Department said when it comes to incidents like shots fired, assaults, aggravated assaults, and disturbances, there’s been 13 in just the past year from 10th to 16th Street between 3rd and 5th Avenue.

Saul Solano, who works full time at the shop during the summer, said though incidents happen, having the police station so close in proximity makes him feel safe.

“I feel blessed enough that we have them less than a minute away…that is why I feel secure about this location… we are only a minute away from the station and they respond quickly,” shared Saul.