YUMA, Arizona (KYMA, KECY) – Four murders in the Southwest desert last week were all linked to gun violence.
But will we see a new increase in crime, or was this just an extraordinary week?
Arizona is one of the most dangerous states for criminal gun violence, according to a recent report by the Center for American Progress Action Fund.
More specifically, these include murder and aggravated assault.
However, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office has said there has been no increase in mass shootings in the county so far this year, despite this recent increase in homicides.
So far this year, the Sheriff’s Office has received about 130 calls related to shootings.
However, according to YCSO, the number of calls is expected to be 188, about the same as last year.
The YCSO said, “While mass shootings appear to be occurring more often because mass shooting investigations are rarely back-to-back as we’ve seen recently, when comparing this year to last year, those are relatively similar,” he said. Public relations specialist Tania Pavrack.
What are Arizona’s current gun laws?
The state permits anyone over the age of 21 who legally owns or can possess a firearm to carry a concealed firearm with a permit.
It makes Arizona one of the most gun-friendly states in the country.
In fact, according to a new Center for American Progress Action Fund report, 84% of the guns used in Arizona crimes were originally purchased in the state.
State Rep. Sine Carr, who represents part of Yuma on the state capitol, hopes Arizona’s gun control laws stay the same.
“We are a very Second Amendment state and I expect to remain so,” Carr said. I know to protect the
Find out if the guns used in these recent shootings were legally purchased, how they were obtained, and what the shooters carry because the suspects involved in all shootings are still on the run. No word on whether it was even allowed.
But the local YCSO encourages locals if you see something or say something.
“In the event of suspicious activity or any kind of mass shooting that you think you may have heard of, we encourage you to call the police and ask them to investigate,” said Pavlak.
It is still unclear at this time if the local cases last week are related.
If you have information about an ongoing investigation, please remain anonymous and contact YCSO or 78-Crime.
