Two suspects have been arrested following a targeted attack on Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies and Prescott Valley Police, authorities reported. The ambush, which occurred in the early hours of a recent Sunday, involved a high-powered firearm and a green laser aimed at law enforcement officers. A subsequent investigation linked the firearms seized during the arrests to multiple shootings across Arizona, including a drive-by incident in Castle Canyon Mesa on November 15.
The suspects, 21-year-old Alex Heredia-Rivera and a 17-year-old male who has not been named due to his age, were arrested on Tuesday after YCSO and PVPD SWAT teams executed search warrants. According to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, one bullet from the ambush narrowly missed a deputy and struck the deputy’s vehicle. The suspect vehicle, a black 2021 Chevy Silverado, was quickly located, and the suspects were taken into custody without further incident.
Collaboration among multiple law enforcement agencies—including YCSO, PVPD, PANT, the ATF, and HSI—led to the identification and arrest of the suspects. Sheriff Rhodes emphasized the daily risks faced by first responders and praised their efforts in maintaining public safety, noting that the case highlights the ongoing dangers officers encounter while protecting the community.
The suspects now face multiple felony charges, including Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, Discharging a Firearm at a Structure, and Weapons Misconduct. The YCSO reported that the 17-year-old is an undocumented immigrant and is subject to a detention order by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about these or similar incidents to call 928-771-3260. Tips can also be submitted to the Prescott Valley Police Department at 928-772-9267 or anonymously through Yavapai Silent Witness at 800-932-3232.
