NEW DETAILS: Suspect in early morning liquor store incident identified
Court records show suspect has lengthy criminal history
EDITOR'S NOTE - 2:22 PM
The Yuma Police Department (YPD) would like to be clear this was *NOT* an officer-involved shooting since the officer was not intentionally shooting at any person. The weapon went off without the officer pulling the trigger.
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma Police Department (YPD) is releasing more information about an incident outside a 4th Avenue liquor store.
YPD says officers tried to make contact with 31-year-old Luis Arellano just before one Thursday morning. Arellano was in the drive-through at Quality Liquor at the time. Officers say the suspect backed up and pulled forward several times, hitting both a civilian vehicle, and a number of marked patrol cars. They say he also almost hit an officer.
YPD says, while this was going on, an officer's weapon unintentionally went off. No one got hurt.
YPD originally referred to the incident as an officer-involved shooting, but are now recategorizing it since the weapon discharged accidentally.
RELATED: Suspect with felony arrest warrant leads to officer-involved shooting
Officers say they then managed to Arellano into custody on a number of charges including aggravated assault, possession of narcotics for sale, and endangerment. He'll also face charges for being a felon in possession of a weapon.
A check of court records shows this is not Arellano's first brush with the law. His wrap sheet includes charges of aggravated assault involving restraint, unlawful imprisonment, and simple assault. He's also faced charges for threats and intimidation, for trying to steal a car, and for DUI.
Arellano faced a judge for the first time, on this arrest, Thursday afternoon. News 11's Cody Lee was in the courtroom. He'll continue our coverage beginning on the Early Edition at 5 p.m.
In the meantime, YPD says the case is still under investigation. Officers urge anyone with any information about this incident to call 928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.
