A Yuma man is in Yuma County Jail facing multiple charges, including felony menacing, following a long standoff Sunday night into early Monday morning that led to a SWAT team being called to the scene.
Jaime Varela Sr. was taken in to custody around 3 a.m. Monday, September 21. Besides felony menacing, he is charged with harassment, violation of a protection order, and possibly other charges once the Yuma Police Department’s investigation is complete.
It all began at 8:44 p.m. Sunday, September 20, when YPD officers were dispatched to the 600 block of N. Birch for a disturbance in progress. Upon arrival, the officers were notified the disturbance had moved to 610 W. Second Ave.,and that the suspect was armed with a gun.
As officers approached that location, one officer spotted Varela in a red Chevy Avalanche traveling north on Kamala St. The officer followed the suspect until he came to a stop at 812 N. Juniper.
Officers from the YPD, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado State Patrol were able to secure the perimeter, as well as get other residents from neighboring houses out of the area safely.
After repeated attempts to open communications with the barricaded suspect, A SWAT team from the Sterling Police Department arrived. The SWAT team was able to enter the building and take the suspect into custody without any further issue.
The YPD stated it would like to thank every agency for coming together and assisting the department and the city of Yuma, including the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, Sterling Police Department and Logan County Sheriff’s Office.
