Armed robbery suspect sentenced to 5 years in prison

UPDATE: 04/24/18

Luther Byers, the man charged in connection to the armed robbery of a medical marijuana dispensary at Thunderbird Plaza on 4th ave in Yuma was sentenced on Tuesday morning in Yuma County Superior Court to five years in prison for attempted armed robbery. Superior Court Judge Stephen Rouff also gave Byers four years of supervised probation for attempted aggravated assault, which he will begin serving immediately after his release from prison. The second suspect who accompanied Byers in the robbery is still on the run.

11/20/2017

Police say on Sunday, a little after 3:00 p.m., one suspect entered the ‘Cannabis Relief Clinic’ in Thunderbird plaza off of 4th avenue.

The alleged suspect, Luther Byers displayed a handgun to get money. Police say he then fled on foot eastbound towards Walgreens. The suspect was seen getting into a white Ford Fusion. The second suspect was seen waiting outside the business for the first suspect.

Around 9:00 p.m. police say the first suspect that brandished the handgun turned himself into police. 26-year-old Luther Byers was arrested and booked into Yuma County Jail on numerous charges.

Byers appeared in court Monday and is currently facing charges of armed robbery threat involving the use of a weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, both of which are felonies. In court, Byers stated that the weapon used was fake and not a real gun. Bail is set at $200,000.

Byers is expected to appear in court again Wednesday.

Police are still searching for the second suspect believed to be another black male. If you have any information you are asked to call the Yuma Police Department at 928-373-4700 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.