Man dead after Yuma officer-involved shooting

YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) — A man is dead following an officer-involved shooting in Yuma Friday evening.

Yuma police responded to reports of a disturbance in the 3000 block of Ragen Drive around 6:30 p.m.

The suspect, a 34-year-old man, later identified James Michael Spaugh left the scene with someone under the age of 18 and barricaded himself in a residence near County 11th Street and Desert Air Boulevard.

A perimeter was set up, and the Special Enforcement Team was called to assist the officers. Police say they attempted to call Spaugh out when he allegedly fired gunshots in their direction.

Police said they tried again to negotiate with the Spaugh, but he fired his weapon again. Yuma PD said this continued several more times until officers fired back.

Spaugh was by shot at least once by officers, who then provided him medical aid. Spaugh was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

The Yuma Regional Critical Incident Response Team is investigating the shooting. No officers or other community members were injured.

The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on modified duty.

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to call (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.

This is the 69th officer-involved shooting in the state so far in 2024.

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