Skip to Content

Aggravated assault suspect formally charged

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The suspect involved from an incident over the weekend appeared in court Wednesday afternoon.

The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Cesar Martin Ponce of Yuma, has been formally charged with one count of aggravated assault, two counts of aggravated assault alleging use of a shotgun and three counts of endangerment. However, the attempted murder charge was dropped.

Ponce was arrested early Sunday morning when the Yuma County Sheriff's Office (YCSO) received reports of a man being shot.

According to YCSO, they learned that both Ponce and the victim "were in a verbal altercation during a gathering.

While both men left the scene, YCSO says Ponce returned with a shotgun and fired at least one round toward the house where the victim was located, and the victim was struck with multiple birdshot pellets and Ponce fled the scene.

Once YCSO's Criminal Investigations Bureau took over the investigation, YCSO says they, with the help of the Yuma Police Department (YPD), quickly located and arrested Ponce, who was then booked into the Yuma County Detention Center for attempted homicide and aggravated assault.

YCSO further says the victim was taken to Onvida Health, but was later taken to a Phoenix area hospital "due to serious injuries."

Ponce is being held on a cash bond of $1 million, according to Yuma County records. However, Ponce's attorney asked the judge to reduce the bond to a secure bond of $50,000.

In response, the judge said they can revisit the bond at the next hearing, scheduled for next Wednesday.

Article Topic Follows: Crime

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Dillon Fuhrman

If you have any story ideas, reach out to him at dillon.fuhrman@kecytv.com.

Author Profile Photo

Danyelle Burke North

Danyelle Burke North joined the KYMA team in March 2024 as a reporter.

If you have any story ideas, you can contact her at danyelle.burke-north@kecytv.com.

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KYMA KECY is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content