Yuma police release name of officer injured in aggravated assault

Police have released the name of the officer who was injured in an aggravated assault in Yuma Wednesday night.

Officer Victor Mariscal, a Yuma Police officer of almost five years, was injured when conducting a welfare check on a man on the 400 block of Third Avenue in Yuma.

The suspect, 22-year-old Christopher Cox, admitted to having illegal drug paraphernalia on him. Cox began using physical force when Officer Mariscal went to arrest him.

“The officer was in the process of placing him under arrest when the suspect started fighting with the officer,” states Yuma Police Sergeant Lori Franklin. “Kicking and punching the officer.”

More units arrived on scene. Christopher Cox was arrested and Officer Mariscal was taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Cox is detained at the Yuma County Detention Center facing felony allegations of aggravated assault of an officer, possession and/or use of drug paraphernalia, and resisting arrest with physical force. He is held on a $50,000 bond and is set to appear again in court Monday.

Yuma Police Officials say Officer Mariscal will not be on full duty until he is fully recovered from his injuries.