Two Arrested After Stabbing and Bicycle Robbery Downtown Yuma

The Yuma Police Department announced that two suspects were arrested in connection with an armed robbery and aggravated assault that occurred on November 12, 2025 near South Fourth Avenue and West Fifth Street in downtown Yuma. According to a YPD press release, the incident took place around 12 20 a.m. when a 61 year old man riding a bicycle was confronted, stabbed and robbed of his bicycle. The victim was transported to Onvida Health with injuries that were not life threatening.

Officers pursued suspects on foot and deployed a drone to assist tracking during the response, the department said. An 18 year old man was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Adult Detention Center on multiple felony charges including aggravated assault and armed robbery. A 15 year old boy was taken into custody and booked into the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center on similar felony charges. The Yuma Police Department said the investigation remains active and asked anyone with information to contact authorities.

The incident underscores several issues for local residents. Downtown businesses and residents have expressed growing concern about violent encounters and property crimes affecting vulnerable community members, including older adults who rely on bicycles for mobility. The robbery of a bicycle and the use of a knife in the assault escalate typical property crime into a violent criminal matter, which changes both the immediate safety calculus and potential prosecutorial outcomes.

The involvement of a juvenile in an alleged violent crime introduces distinct legal and policy considerations. Juvenile cases are handled differently than adult cases, with separate procedures and an emphasis on rehabilitation in many circumstances. The presence of a 15 year old charged with felonies will require coordination between law enforcement, prosecutors and juvenile justice authorities to determine appropriate custody, diversion or formal prosecution paths under Arizona law.

The deployment of a police drone in the pursuit will likely draw attention from community members and policymakers about surveillance tools and public safety tactics. Residents who live or work in the downtown area may seek clarity from city and county officials on when and how such technology is used, what oversight exists and how public safety resources are allocated.

Investigators continue to gather evidence and seek witnesses. For residents, the case is a reminder to report suspicious activity, to secure bicycles and personal property, and to engage with local public safety forums and city officials about strategies to reduce violent crime. The Yuma Police Department asked anyone with information to contact authorities as it proceeds with the investigation and any resulting prosecutions.