Suspect arrested in an 89-year-old woman attack

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma Police Department arrested 72-year old James Michael Oakley, the suspect accused of attacking an 89-year-old woman inside an alterations shop.

Police say Oakley attacked an 89-year-old Rose Roberson inside her alterations shop with a brick, a cane, and a sewing machine before he was finally found.

The Yuma Police Department says it happened on Monday, May 15 after 5 p.m. at Rose's Alterations on 8th Avenue near 32nd Street.

After investigation, police say the man threw a brick through the front window of the shop and then he attacked the woman.

The suspect was then located in a trailer behind the business after starting a fire.

He and the victim were both taken to Yuma Regional Medical Center.

Shelley Evans, long time customer of Roberson showed up at the shop after hearing about the attack, “It’s heartbreaking, its heartbreaking….She was in here at 89-years old doing a job that anyone else her age would not do.” 

The suspect, James Michael Oakley, was booked on Tuesday evening and is being held on a $100,000 bond.

He will be charged for 2nd degree attempted murder, aggravated assault, and criminal damage.

Court records show Oakley previously was found guilty of a robbery in 2018.

Rose's family is still trying to come to terms with what happened.

Roxanne Roberson, Rose's daughter-in-law says "she didn't deserve this."