Two young suspects arrested and accused of home invasion involving kidnapping and theft
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A married couple in Yuma was robbed at gunpoint inside their own home.
The Yuma Police Department (YPD) said two teens broke into their place Wednesday night.
YPD said it happened in the neighborhood on 42nd Place near Avenue 8E in Yuma.
The 18-year-old and 17-year-old suspects stole several firearms and other items and are now in custody.
“So to be able to catch these guys and get them off the street is huge for us because if they’re going to do this, what are they going to do next?” stated Sgt. Lori Franklin, Yuma Police Department Public Affairs.
Yuma police responded to the armed robbery Wednesday evening and said a 79-year-old man was being held at gunpoint for an extended period as the suspects were trying to get the code to the safe.
“The wife came home. She’s in her 60s. Again brandished the fire weapon at her. Threatened her with life and hurt her. She gave the combination up. They got into the safe. They retrieved some weapons and some other items from the residents, and they fled the scene," said Sgt. Franklin.
Police said the suspects were found in the area of the robbery with the help of the Yuma County Sheriff's Office, Arizona Western Police, and Border Patrol.
“Border Patrol also has assets like the drone. Bringing those assets together also allowed us to be able to catch the suspects sooner and get them booked," said Sgt. Franklin.
The 18-year-old suspect appeared in court where he was read the six charges he's facing, including Burglary, Aggravated Assault, Kidnapping, Theft, Armed Robbery, and Aggravated Robbery.
The 17-year-old suspect is also facing the same charges but he's being held at the Yuma County Juvenile Detention Center.
YPD shared one of the victim's current condition.
“This is a serious crime. You got kidnapping, you got armed robbery, you got threats. The elderly gentleman was slightly injured but not bad. But still, I mean he’s an elderly gentleman," stated Sgt. Franklin.
The suspect is scheduled to be back in court on Monday and is being held on a bond of $250,000.
This case is still under investigation.
If you or anyone has information on this case, contact YPD at 928-373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.
