James Gilbert
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I have been a reporter for the Yuma Sun since 2001 covering public safety, courts and military. You can also find me at Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert.
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Articles by James Gilbert
News 8 Celebrates: November 11, 2026
ROCHESTER, NY (WROC) – Congratulations to all! We would like to celebrate all your birthdays, anniversaries, and special events! Click here to submit a photo and information about your well wishes, at least a day in advance. Please include: The name of the person or persons being celebrated Date of celebration Who the well wishes are from Any other notes or details you’d like us to include After your special message airs during our Sunrise morning newscast, we will post the video to this page.
Woman arrested on terrorism charge following online threat investigation
Police arrested a 19-year-old Yuma woman Friday after authorities investigated online messages that allegedly threatened a shooting at a public gathering. The Yuma Police Department said it was notified Thursday night of messages posted in an online chat by a local resident. The messages allegedly referenced plans to carry out a shooting at a public venue where a large number of people were expected to gather.
Police seek public's help Identifying driver in Circle K hit-and-run
Yuma police are asking for the public's help in identifying a driver involved in a hit-and-run collision at a local convenience store Monday morning. According to the Yuma Police Department, the crash occurred at about 11:57 a.m. Nov. 9 at the Circle K located at 6544 E. 32nd St. Investigators said an older-model black Chevrolet two-door pickup truck struck a parked vehicle while backing out of a parking space.
News 8 Celebrates: November 9, 2026
ROCHESTER, NY (WROC) – Congratulations to all! We would like to celebrate all your birthdays, anniversaries, and special events! Click here to submit a photo and information about your well wishes, at least a day in advance. Please include: The name of the person or persons being celebrated Date of celebration Who the well wishes are from Any other notes or details you’d like us to include After your special message airs during our Sunrise morning newscast, we will post the video to this page.
Suspicious object prompts bomb squad response
What was initially reported as a suspicious container in a Yuma neighborhood Sunday morning turned out to be an unattended safe, according to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to the area of East 35th Place and South Prescott Avenue at approximately 9:37 a.m. after receiving a report of a suspicious container. “The container was determined to be an unattended safe in an empty dirt lot in the area,” YCSO spokesperson Tania Pavlak said.
Yuma restaurants to honor veterans with free meals on Veterans Day
Yuma-area veterans and active-duty service members will have a couple of opportunities to enjoy a free meal and be recognized for their service this Veterans Day. Bubba’s 33, 1632 S. Fourth Ave., will offer a complimentary lunch to veterans, retired military members and active-duty personnel on Nov. 11 from opening until 4 p.m. Guests can choose from six menu items, including burgers, pizza, salads and the restaurant’s Bacon Chicken Mac-N-Cheese. The meal also includes a beverage.
First take: Couch general
I recently started rewatching “The Walking Dead” on Netflix, and I’ve discovered I may have a problem. You see, I suffer from a severe case of “What if?” syndrome, a condition commonly found among historians, strategy gamers and people who can’t watch a movie or TV show without explaining how they would have done things differently. I’m currently in Season 6, where the residents of Alexandria find themselves overrun by zombies and forced to fight hand-to-hand.
Former Yuma resident turns lifelong dream into published novel
A story about a lost mermaid and a dolphin that helps her find her way home may have seemed like a simple second-grade assignment at the time, but for former Yuma resident Veronica Drake, it was the beginning of a dream that would stay with her for decades. That dream became reality when Drake recently published her first novel, Lines We Were Never Meant to Say, a contemporary romance novel about grief, healing and second chances.
IID approves $115 million project to modernize El Centro power plant
The Imperial Irrigation District is moving forward with a major investment aimed at increasing local power production and reducing its reliance on outside energy markets. The IID Board of Directors recently approved nearly $115 million in equipment purchases to replace the aging Unit 4 power plant at the El Centro Generating Station.
Police accepting applications for 2027 Citizens Academy
Residents interested in learning how the Yuma Police Department operates can now apply for the 2027 Citizens Police Academy. The 13-week program is designed to give participants an inside look at the department's day-to-day operations through classroom instruction, demonstrations and hands-on training.
Thousands of ballots remain as local election results come into focus
Editor’s Note: These unofficial election results are as of 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4. Election Officials reported that 19,606 early ballots and 591 provisional ballots remain to be processed. The election results will become official once they are canvassed by the respective jurisdictions and certified by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors.
Unofficial election returns released in Yuma County; turnout stands at 19%
Editor’s Note: These unofficial election results are as of 9:07 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. These numbers represent early ballots and early in-person votes received before Election Day and tabulated so far. Subsequent releases will include vote center totals as they come in. The election results will become official once they are canvassed by the respective jurisdictions and certified by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors.
Trailer fire claims one life in Yuma
One person died Sunday morning after a travel trailer caught fire in the backyard of a residence in Yuma, according to the Yuma Fire Department. Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 6:17 a.m. Nov. 1 to a reported residential fire near East 38th Place and South Mesa Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters found a travel trailer fully engulfed in flames in the backyard of a home.
First take: Coverage gap
We have all seen it in a TV show or movie: some poor soul is wandering the hospital halls in a gown that appears to have lost a fight with a pair of scissors. The back is hanging open, the audience laughs, and everybody moves on. What nobody tells you is that those scenes stop being funny the moment it happens to you. I recently discovered that hospital gowns don’t so much “cover” a patient as enter into a loose agreement with them.
Senators urge Army to restore YPG social media access
U.S. senators Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., and John Curtis, R-Utah, are urging the Army to reverse a communications policy they say limits Yuma Proving Ground’s ability to engage with local residents, industry partners and surrounding communities.
19-year-old hospitalized following shooting at Yuma house party
A 19-year-old man was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds after a shooting early Saturday at a residence in west Yuma, according to the Yuma Police Department. Officers responded to a report of shots fired at approximately 12:07 a.m. Saturday in the 4700 block of West 17th Lane. When officers arrived, they located the 19-year-old male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. According to preliminary information, a party was taking place at the residence when an altercation occurred.
News 8 Celebrates: October 28, 2026
ROCHESTER, NY (WROC) – Congratulations to all! We would like to celebrate all your birthdays, anniversaries, and special events! Click here to submit a photo and information about your well wishes, at least a day in advance. Please include: The name of the person or persons being celebrated Date of celebration Who the well wishes are from Any other notes or details you’d like us to include After your special message airs during our Sunrise morning newscast, we will post the video to this page.
First take: Cushion connection
I’ve recently realized my couch and I have been drifting apart. Life gets busy. There are errands, deadlines, responsibilities, and the occasional attempt at being productive. Somewhere along the way, I stopped making time for the relationship that was always there for me. My couch never complained. It never sent passive-aggressive texts. It never asked why I hadn’t called. It just sat there patiently, holding my spot. The other night, I finally spent a few hours with it.
Yuma man arrested in alleged $2.8 million fraud scheme
A Yuma man has been arrested after a police investigation uncovered what is being described as a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme involving unauthorized purchases and online sales of mechanical parts. According to the Yuma Police Department, officers received a fraud report from a local business on July 23 at 5:09 p.m. The business suspected a former employee had improperly purchased more than $1 million worth of mechanical parts between 2024 and mid-2026.
Three injured in three-vehicle crash on South Fourth Avenue
A 19-year-old man was hospitalized after a three-vehicle collision Saturday morning on the 1800 block of South Fourth Avenue, according to the Yuma Police Department. Police said officers responded to the crash at about 8:28 a.m. Saturday. An initial investigation found that a Honda Accord driven by the 19-year-old was traveling northbound on Fourth Avenue when it struck the rear of a Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 35-year-old man.
National PAC spending draws attention in Yuma judicial race
More than $90,000 in spending by a national political action committee has become a focal point in the race for Yuma County Superior Court Division 5, turning what is typically a low-profile judicial contest into a debate over outside influence, judicial independence and campaign spending. The Division 5 race is the only contested Superior Court election on Yuma County voters’ ballots this year.
Arizona DPS receives $42,000 grant to combat illegal street racing
The Arizona Department of Public Safety has received $42,000 in grant funding to support enforcement efforts targeting illegal street and highway racing across the state. The funding was awarded by the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety through the state’s Drag Racing Fund and will be used to cover overtime and personnel expenses for focused enforcement operations, according to a news release issued Tuesday.
Record-setting swims, team depth power Cibola at Colorado River Championship
Cibola’s team championships at the Colorado River Championship Swim Invitational were built on more than a handful of victories. Behind a school-record performance from Eleanor Hauck, a sweep of the boys diving podium and contributions throughout the lineup, the Raiders showcased the depth that could make them a contender heading into the postseason. The Cibola High School swim and dive teams turned in a dominant performance at the Colorado River Championship Swim Invitational on Oct.
News 8 Celebrates: October 20, 2026
ROCHESTER, NY (WROC) – Congratulations to all! We would like to celebrate all your birthdays, anniversaries, and special events! Click here to submit a photo and information about your well wishes, at least a day in advance. Please include: The name of the person or persons being celebrated Date of celebration Who the well wishes are from Any other notes or details you’d like us to include After your special message airs during our Sunrise morning newscast, we will post the video to this page.
Suspect arrested in Yuma attempted homicide investigation
An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that left a 39-year-old man injured earlier this month, according to the Yuma Police Department. Police said officers responded at about 4:25 a.m. Oct. 11 to the 500 block of South Madison Avenue after receiving reports of a man who had been struck by gunfire. The 39-year-old victim was transported to Onvida Health for treatment of injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Vacant home under renovation damaged in early-morning fire
A vacant home undergoing renovations sustained significant damage in an early-morning fire Sunday in the 4000 block of West 21st Lane, according to the Yuma Fire Department. Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 3 a.m. Oct. 18 after reports of smoke in the area of West 24th Street and South Avenue C. Upon arrival, firefighters observed a light haze and began searching for the source of the smoke.
Yuma Police notify residents of Level 3 sex offender's presence
The Yuma Police Department has issued a community notification regarding a registered Level 3 sex offender who is residing in a Yuma neighborhood. According to the notification, Edgar Michael Ruiz, 45, is living at 1319 E. 24th Place in Yuma. Police said Ruiz is classified as a Level 3 sex offender, a designation used for offenders considered to have a high risk of reoffending. The notification states that between 2001 and 2002, Ruiz had sexual contact with a minor. On Dec.
First Take: Price fright
I walked into what I mistakenly took for a haunted house the other day. People were wandering around with a look of pure terror on their faces, staring at things on the shelves and muttering under their breath. Then I realized it wasn’t a haunted house at all. It was actually a grocery store. The real scares were in the aisles. A carton of eggs nearly made me jump. The price of beef was enough to send chills down my spine.
Arizona opens first federally funded EV charging stations, including site in Wellton
Arizona’s first three electric vehicle charging stations built through a federally funded program designed to create a nationwide network of fast chargers are now open, including a location in Wellton that will serve motorists traveling Interstate 8.
San Luis seeks submissions for 2026 Veterans Day video tribute
The City of San Luis is inviting veterans, military families and community members to participate in its 2026 Veterans Day video tribute honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The commemorative video will be shared on the city’s official social media platforms on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. City officials are asking participants to submit a military portrait along with service information for inclusion in the tribute. Submissions must be received by 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Red Cross urges Yuma-area residents to donate blood as fall demand continues
The American Red Cross is encouraging Yuma-area residents to donate blood this week as the organization works to maintain a stable blood supply. Red Cross officials said the need for blood remains constant throughout the year, and donors of all blood types are needed to help ensure hospitals have blood available when emergencies and medical treatments require transfusions. “One donation can save lives today.
Culinary students boost lunch sales through cafeteria partnership
Yuma High School culinary arts students helped create, promote and serve a special “Breakfast for Lunch” menu that generated 75 more lunch sales than usual while providing hands-on industry experience through a partnership with the Yuma Union High School District Student Nutrition Department. The kitchen takeover event gave students the opportunity to work alongside district nutrition staff in developing recipes, marketing menu offerings and preparing and serving meals to their fellow students.
National Day of Service to be marked with a tree-planting event on Friday
Housing America Corp. and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development will partner for a community tree-planting event Friday as part of the National Day of Service. The event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Oct. 16 at 4195 E. San Diego St. in San Luis, where a home is being constructed through the USDA Section 502 Direct Loan Program.
Police arrest man after alleged kidnapping, pursuit on freeway
A 57-year-old man was taken into custody early Sunday after allegedly knocking down a police officer with a vehicle and leading law enforcement on a pursuit that ended east of Yuma. According to the Yuma Police Department, at about 3:39 a.m. Oct. 11, an officer located the vehicle that had fled from the Wellton Police Department earlier in the evening. The vehicle was traveling in the wrong direction in the 1500 block of East 16th Street before pulling into a gas station.
News 8 Celebrates: October 12, 2026
ROCHESTER, NY (WROC) – Congratulations to all! We would like to celebrate all your birthdays, anniversaries, and special events! Click here to submit a photo and information about your well wishes, at least a day in advance. Please include: The name of the person or persons being celebrated Date of celebration Who the well wishes are from Any other notes or details you’d like us to include After your special message airs during our Sunrise morning newscast, we will post the video to this page.
Yuma Sector agents arrest undocumented migrant, gang member and seize cocaine, fentanyl
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Yuma Sector recently arrested an undocumented Turkish national, apprehended an alleged gang member attempting to enter the country illegally and seized more than 45 pounds of narcotics during separate enforcement actions in Yuma County. On Sept. 25, Wellton Station agents stopped a vehicle on Interstate 8 near Wellton and encountered a Turkish national working as a for-hire hotshot driver.
First take: Monster Mayhem
How did I not know there was a six-issue comic book series pitting Godzilla Vs. the Hulk until now? As a lifelong Godzilla fan, discovering this comic feels like finding out they secretly made a pizza-flavored burrito and nobody bothered to tell me. This series, released in 2025, will immediately be added to my comic book collection.
Gila Ridge captures 17th straight district golf championship
Gila Ridge added another Yuma Union High School District Championship to its trophy case Thursday, claiming its 17th consecutive district title at Mesa del Sol Golf Course while junior Grady Ebert captured the city championship and led a sweep of the top four individual spots. The Hawks posted a team score of 304, finishing well ahead of runner-up Cibola at 407. Yuma placed third with a 418, followed by Somerton (428), Kofa (431) and San Luis (486). Ebert shot a 73 to lead the individual standings.
Mujer arrestada tras encontrar metanfetamina durante una revisión de bienestar
Una mujer de 29 años de San Luis fue arrestada después de que la policía presuntamente encontrara 84 bolsitas con metanfetamina durante una investigación que comenzó con una revisión del bienestar de una niña de 10 años, quien, según se informó, estaba sola en casa y no asistía a la escuela. De acuerdo con el Departamento de Policía de San Luis, los agentes acudieron a la residencia la semana pasada para verificar el bienestar de la menor.
Level 2 sex offender notification issued for Somerton resident
The Yuma County Sheriff's Office has issued a Level 2 sex offender community notification for Miguel Angel Cabrera Rios, 58, who is residing at 15814 S. Lime Ave. in Somerton. The notification was released Wednesday pursuant to Arizona's Community Notification on Sex Offenders Law, which requires law enforcement agencies to notify the public when certain registered sex offenders reside within their jurisdictions.
Gila Ridge wins third straight YUHSD city golf title; Smith captures third consecutive individual championship
The Gila Ridge Hawks continued their dominance of Yuma Union High School District girls golf Tuesday, capturing their third consecutive city championship at Mesa Del Sol Golf Course, while Kofa senior Jacquline Smith won her third straight individual title. The Hawks posted a team score of 440 to finish ahead of runner-up Cibola (465) and Kofa (480). The Hawks placed three golfers among the tournament’s top five finishers, led by junior Jayden Waymire, who finished second with a 99.
Weather forecast: Sunshine wins, despite the morning chill Original
ROCHESTER, NY (WROC) – It is cold this morning with starting temperatures in the 30s for most. Today is a near full sunshine day with increasing pressure and numbers climbing to the upper 50s. A cold front will creep closer Wednesday. That will help pull up overnight lows and if the wind picks up out of the southwest, we may hit 70 degrees. Any showers along this front will be late Wednesday into Thursday. Friday into Sunday is all looking dry.
Pilot injured in plane crash south of Yuma
A pilot sustained non-life-threatening injuries Monday morning after a small aircraft crashed in an agricultural field south of Yuma, according to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies and firefighters responded about 8:20 a.m. to reports of an aircraft crash near West County 12th Street and South Avenue G. When firefighters from the Somerton Cocopah Fire Department arrived, they found the pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, trapped inside the wreckage in the middle of a farm field.
Woman arrested after meth found during welfare check
A 29-year-old San Luis woman was arrested after police allegedly found 84 baggies of methamphetamine during an investigation that began with a welfare check on a 10-year-old girl who was reportedly home alone and not attending school. According to the San Luis Police Department, officers responded to the residence last week to check on the child’s welfare. During the visit, officers detected the presence of illegal drugs inside the home.
News 8 Celebrates: October 5, 2026
ROCHESTER, NY (WROC) – Congratulations to all! We would like to celebrate all your birthdays, anniversaries, and special events! Click here to submit a photo and information about your well wishes, at least a day in advance. Please include: The name of the person or persons being celebrated Date of celebration Who the well wishes are from Any other notes or details you’d like us to include After your special message airs during our Sunrise morning newscast, we will post the video to this page.
Kofa swimmers post state-qualifying times at Crim Swim Invite
The Kofa High School boys swimming team placed third overall at the Crim Swim Invite on Oct. 3, powered by relay victories, multiple state-qualifying performances and another record-breaking swim from freshman Avery Layton in a 13-team field. The annual meet, hosted by Yuma High School and held at the Valley Aquatic Center, drew teams from across Arizona and served as one of only two state-qualifying invitationals held in Yuma.
YCSO issues Level 1 sex offender notification in Yuma
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Level 1 sex offender community notification for Erin Corey Garcia, 55, who has reported residing at 12445 E. 37th Place, No. 1, in Yuma. According to the sheriff’s office, Garcia is 6 feet, 1 inch tall, weighs 200 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. Garcia, who is nor currently wanted by law enforcement, was convicted of a sex offense in California. On Nov.
First take: Treat trouble
Halloween is not what it used to be. When I was a kid, trick‑or‑treating was the Super Bowl of candy hunting. I’d sprint house to house like a sugar‑crazed Olympian, then dump my loot on the living room floor and sort it like a Wall Street trader. Life was simple: the more candy, the better the year. Now? My neighborhood is a ghost town on Halloween – and not the fun, spooky kind. I might get three kids, tops. Which puts me in a yearly October dilemma.
AgTech appeals cancellation of five state land leases
Biosolids processor AgTech LLC has appealed the Arizona State Land Department’s decision to cancel five agricultural leases on state trust land in Yuma County and deny the company’s right to renew the leases under Arizona law. The state department announced the lease cancellations on Sept. 10. The appeal, filed by the law firm Gallagher & Kennedy, follows AgTech’s Sept. 25 response invoking what the company described as its statutory right to notice and an opportunity to fix the alleged problems.
News 8 Celebrates: October 2/3, 2026
ROCHESTER, NY (WROC) – Congratulations to all! We would like to celebrate all your birthdays, anniversaries, and special events! Click here to submit a photo and information about your well wishes, at least a day in advance. Please include: The name of the person or persons being celebrated Date of celebration Who the well wishes are from Any other notes or details you’d like us to include After your special message airs during our Sunrise morning newscast, we will post the video to this page.
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