Two suspects have been arrested in connection with an ambush shooting targeting Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) deputies and Prescott Valley Police Department (PVPD) officers. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, when deputies assisting PVPD near Carla Vista Drive were fired upon from a truck using a green laser. One bullet struck a YCSO deputy’s vehicle, narrowly missing the deputy.
Law enforcement quickly located and detained the occupants of the suspect vehicle, identified as a black 2021 Chevy Silverado. Detectives from YCSO and PVPD, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), determined that firearms seized from the truck were linked to a drive-by shooting in Castle Canyon Mesa on November 15th and other recent shootings across Arizona.
The suspects have been identified as 21-year-old Alex Heredia-Rivera and a 17-year-old male. Both were arrested on November 25th after search warrants were executed by YCSO and PVPD SWAT teams. Authorities reported that the 17-year-old is in the country illegally and has an ICE detainer placed on him.
Sheriff Rhodes stated, “This case underscores the danger our first responders face every day. I greatly appreciate the men and women of the YCSO and the PVPD for their vigilance in getting the violent criminal and criminal aliens off of our streets keeping the citizens of Yavapai County safe. We must remain unwavering in the commitment to public safety.”
Both suspects are facing multiple felony charges including Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, Discharging a Firearm at a Structure, and Weapons Misconduct. The investigation was conducted collaboratively by YCSO, PVPD, Partners Against Narcotics Trafficking (PANT), ATF, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Authorities are asking anyone with information about these or similar incidents to contact either the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office at 928-771-3260, Prescott Valley Police Department at 928-772-9267, or Yavapai Silent Witness at 800-932-3232.
