Man accused of arson formally charged
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma man accused of arson after his apartment went up in flames appeared in court Tuesday where he was formally charged.
44-year-old Agustin Vera faces a total of nine felony counts including aggravated assault and six counts of endangerment.
The Yuma Police Department (YPD) stated officers responded to the possible arson late Saturday evening at an apartment complex on S. Madison Avenue and E. 20th Street.
According to YPD, the Yuma Fire Department (YFD) found smoke and flames coming from the south side of the apartment complex.
YFD then evacuated people that live at the apartments and were ready to extinguish the fire.
"As they were trying to get in there to put the fire out, they got into an altercation with the person who actually lives in the apartment where the fire was," stated Sgt. Lori Franklin, YPD Public Affairs.
However, Yuma police said one of the occupants of the apartments, identified as 44-year-old Agustin Vera, refused to allow them to extinguish the fire by blocking the path.
YPD said YFD firefighters were able to grab Vera, remove him from the residence, and escort him to a nearby ambulance for precautionary measures.
When Vera was in the ambulance, he jumped out and struck a firefighter in the chest which knocked them back and then he left on foot.
"Thankfully it isn’t common for injuries to occur with our firefighters, although it is a dangerous job," stated David Padilla, YFD Public Information Officer.
While YFD and YPD stayed at the scene, Vera returned to the apartment and was arrested.
Sgt. Franklin said situations like this make it harder for them to work.
"They do the best they can, we do the best we can but you know you are assaulting a first responder," said Sgt. Franklin.
YPD stated that the damage to the apartment was contained to the area around the outside of the backdoor and door frame.
Vera is currently being held on a bond of $100,000 and is scheduled to be back in court next month.
If you or anyone else has information about this case, contact YPD at (928) 783-4421 or 78-CRIME at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.
