Yuma County Sheriff's Office

08/11/2026

Promotion announcement⭐️Congratulations to Daryl Tillis and Daniel Alfaro on their promotions from Detention Officer to Deputy Sheriff.

Next stop: AWC LETA 🚓 for training at the law enforcement academy.

08/07/2026

Proud to have Ray on our team! Good article on the impact of volunteerism and the importance of meaningful contributions to our community 🌟

If you ask Ray Lagunas what he does, he could give you the regular answer: construction supervisor. But if you pressed further, the list of things Lagunas lends his time

08/07/2026

Deputy Sheriff Recruits selected Amberly's Place as the recipient of a donation earned through their volunteer work at the 2026 MATO event.

Their group received the donation from the Caballeros de Yuma for their assistance during the event, and chose to pay it forward to an organization making a difference in Yuma County.

Thank you to the Caballeros de Yuma for their generosity, and to our recruits for supporting Amberly's Place and its mission to serve local children and families.

08/06/2026

If you can identify any of the individuals or the vehicle, please contact YPD Detective C. Sanchez or 78CRIME to remain anonymous.

08/06/2026

AMBERLY MENDOZA HOMICIDE
Case: 1996-3658
Yuma, AZ –

On Saturday, March 9, 1996, at approximately 10:47 a.m., Yuma Police officers responded to a disturbance call in the 1700 block of W. 24th Lane. Upon arrival, officers located a 10 year old female unresponsive in her bedroom.

The investigation showed an unknown subject(s) entered the Mendoza residence, sexually assaulted 10 year old Amberly Mendoza in her bedroom, then killed her. The cause of death is listed as asphyxiation.

Detectives from Yuma Police Department coordinated with other resources within the state. As a result, FBI’s Phoenix Field Office is now offering a reward of up to $30,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) involved in the death of Amberly Mendoza.

https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/amberly-mendoza

This case is still under investigation.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Yuma Police Department at (928) 783-4421 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

Information Released By: Sergeant Lori Franklin

08/06/2026

Press Release
Narcotics Arrest
Location of Incident: 1011 N. Somerton Avenue - Somerton, AZ

On Monday, August 3, 2026, at approximately 1:32 PM, The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office arrested a teacher on Somerton Middle School Campus on a drug related incident.

The initial investigation revealed a personal bag, described as a makeup bag, was located on campus by a staff member. The staff member looked inside to figure out who it belonged to and found a plastic bag containing an unidentified substance. Staff turned the bag over to the YCSO School Resource Officer who identified the substance as Methamphetamine. The bag was further searched, and the owner of the bag was identified as a teacher.

The SRO made contact with the suspect, Deana Lynn Salter, 55, of Yuma, AZ, and placed her under arrest. No students were involved in the incident.

The Yuma County Narcotics Task Force responded and assumed the investigation. The total amount of Methamphetamine was approximately 4.35 grams.

Salter was processed and booked by the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force on Possession of Dangerous Drugs in a Drug-Free Zone, Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Reckless Child/Vulnerable Adult Abuse.

Anyone with information regarding this case, please contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. You can also visit our website at www.yumacountysheriff.org to submit an anonymous tip.

Information Released By: Tania Pavlak, Public Affairs Specialist

07/31/2026

Don't make it easy 🔒 Many vehicle burglaries happen because criminals find an easy opportunity.

Lock your vehicle and take your valuables with you.

07/30/2026

A lesser-known part of public safety efforts🎙 Did you know.... YCSO partners with local organizations to help provide access to healthcare and mental health services for individuals in the Detention Center, an effort that contributes to a safer community.

Yuma County Sheriff's Office Health Services Manager, Victoria Gonzalez, joined the Connection Podcast to share the coalition's vision for expanding the Detention Center's community re-entry programming.

Great information shared 🌟YCSO is proud to help develop passionate professionals like Victoria who serve to strengthen Yuma County.

🎬Yuma County Anti Drug Coalition

▶️ https://youtu.be/jElbtKwi_Iw?si=fn2g1nb5Q4670Xsy

🎙️ New Connection Podcast Episode!We are honored to welcome Victo...

07/29/2026

Press Release
July 29, 2026 - 4:30PM
Fatal Collision
Location of Incident: W. County 14th Street and S. 4th Avenue - Yuma, AZ

On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at approximately 6:53 AM, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a two-vehicle collision in the area of W. County 14th Street and S. 4th Avenue.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk was traveling westbound on W. County 14th Street when a 2009 Honda Fit Sport traveling northbound on S. 4th Avenue approached the intersection. The Honda Fit failed to stop at a posted stop sign and the vehicles collided at the intersection.

Rural Metro responded and transported both single occupants of the vehicles to Onvida Health.

The driver of the Jeep sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Honda, identified as Amarilis A. Jimenez de Burnett, 54, of Yuma, AZ. was transported in critical condition and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. Next of kin notification has been made.

This case remains under investigation at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this case, please contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. You can also visit our website at www.yumacountysheriff.org to submit an anonymous tip.

Information Released By: Tania Pavlak, Public Affairs Specialist

07/29/2026

2:20PM - Update - Roadway has re-opened.
**********
7:30AM- The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office is on scene responding to a collision at S. 4th Ave extension and W. County 14th Street. Please avoid the area and seek alternate route.