Alleged barricade suspect facing three felony charges

A local man who allegedly barricaded himself inside a home from police and was wanted for multiple felony charges was officially charged inside a Yuma courtroom Tuesday.

David Garcia, 34, who is in custody, was charged with first-degree burglary while possessing a deadly weapon, weapon misconduct, and criminal trespass.

“Those are the charges brought forth by the state prosecutor’s office. It’s been indicated that your family will be hiring an attorney to assist you in this case,” Judge Gregory S. Stewart said to Garcia during his court appearance.

Yuma Police said on November 21, an officer spotted Garcia. He ran inside an occupied residence on 11th Avenue. That resulted in an hour standoff with police until Garcia was taken into custody.

“He did evade officers a couple times. Then he was finally held up in the 2100 block of 11th Avenue. Officers got right there. They negotiated with him,” said Sgt. Lori Franklin with Yuma Police Department.

The public defender representing Garcia for this court hearing told the judge Garcia is a life-long resident of Yuma, working as a kitchen manager at a local Golden Corral. He also told the judge Garcia has a daughter and it’s been six years since his last interaction with law enforcement.

Court records show Garcia was guilty in 2005 for drug charges and aggravated harassment. He was guilty in 2012 for possession/use of a weapon.

The defender requested the judge to lower Garcia’s bond.

In court, members of Garcia’s family were present. The public defender said they plan to fight these charges and support Garcia along the way.

Garcia’s next court appearance is set for November 30. The judge set his bond at $100,000.

Judge Stewart mentioned Garcia has another case against him, but the state prosecutor’s office hasn’t filed charges because they didn’t have a police report to review.