YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma police arrested a man suspected of causing more than $20,000 in damages with a BB gun.
Yuma Police Department (YPD) officials said 18-year-old Juan Leal Ornelas was served with a search warrant at his house Wednesday. During the search investigators say they found BBs, Co2 cartridges, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Ornelas is suspected of vandalizing property around Yuma since December 2015. Officers say he is suspected of shattering windows at the Yuma Main Library, Game Stop, Kool Smiles, Sprint, DD’s Discount, Dollar Tree, Salvation Army, Big 5 Sports, Peter Piper Pizza, Yuma Indoor Market Place, as well as several empty businesses around the city.
Officers say Ornelas admitted to causing the damage with his BB gun. However, during the investigation, officers found out the actual BB gun was disposed of by a family member.
Ornelas is being charged with nine counts of felony criminal damage and various drug charges according to officials.
Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact Detective Blaine Blanton at (928) 373-4759, the YPD at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime to remain anonymous.
