DATELAND, AZ — The Sheriff's office in Yuma, Arizona reports that: On Friday, June 13, 2025, at approximately 7:05 AM, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) Deputies were conducting routine aerial patrols in the 1600 Block of E. Calle Santa Clara utilizing the YCSO Bell 505 Helicopter. During the flight, Deputies noticed an impact sound to the aircraft.
Deputies were in mid-air flying near a remote residential property, when a Deputy observed a subject standing outside pointing at the helicopter. Deputies then heard an impact to the aircraft and noticed debris inside the cabin due to damage.
The helicopter was safely landed at the hangar, where the crew was able to further examine the aircraft. A projectile puncture was located, confirming the helicopter was shot with a firearm.
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau assumed the investigation, and the suspect was identified as Mubarak Prince, 51, of Dateland, AZ.
The YCSO Special Response Team along with the Yuma Police Department Special Enforcement Team, U.S. Border Patrol BORTAC, and the Cocopah Police Department served a search warrant of the suspect’s property.
The suspect was taken into custody and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center on 3 counts of:
- 1st Degree Attempted Murder
There are no reported injuries. This case remains under investigation at this time.
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all of the participating agencies, to include Tri-Valley EMS for their assistance.
Anyone with information regarding this case, please contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at 928-783-4427 or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous. You can also visit our website at www.YumaCountySheriff.org to submit an anonymous tip.
Information Released By: Tania Pavlak, Public Affairs Specialist
