Yuma News Now

Somerton, Arizona - A Yuma County Sheriff's Deputy observed a subject riding a bicycle in the vicinity of Avenue B and County 18th Street, when the Deputy passed the subject he recognized him from previous contacts as Eric Soto, 24, of Somerton. The Deputy also knew there was a warrant out for Mr. Soto’s arrest.

The Deputy attempted to stop Soto in order to arrest him on the warrant. Rather than stop, Soto fled on foot, leading the Deputy on a foot pursuit of nearly ¼ mile. The Deputy was able to catch and arrest Soto, at which time he discovered him to be in possession of wire cutters and a flash light. A search of the area also yielded a glove and a screw driver which Soto admitted were his.

Soto told the Deputy that he was planning on committing vehicle burglaries in order to sustain his methamphetamine addiction. Soto also admitted to other previous vehicle burglaries. Deputies are working right now to link those crimes with today’s arrest. Soto has currently been booked into the Yuma County Jail on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and failure to appear stemming from the warrant for his arrest.

Potentially Soto will also face charges of vehicle burglary and possession of burglary tools as the case develops.