On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office hosted a recognition ceremony for Yuma resident James Kilcer, who disarmed a suspect during a recent attempted armed robbery.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at approximately 4:30 a.m., deputies responded to an armed robbery report at the Chevron located at 10747 S. Fortuna Road. Upon arrival, deputies learned that three suspects entered the Chevron, one of them armed with a handgun. As the armed suspect walked by Kilcer while pointing the weapon at the cashier, Kilcer reacted without hesitation, quickly disarming the suspect and taking him to the ground. He was able to immediately gain control of the gun and detain the suspect until Deputies arrived. As a result, no victims were injured and no property loss was sustained.
Sheriff Leon Wilmot presented Kilcer the YCSO Citizen’s Valor Award “For extraordinary heroism and exceptional courage while voluntarily coming to the aid of another citizen during an incident involving criminal activity at extreme, life threatening, personal risk in an attempt to save or protect human life.”
The YCSO Citizen’s Valor Award is the highest award for citizens whose actions warrant recognition.
The American Legion Post 19, Marine Corps League Territorial Detachment 635, Chevron General Manager, and the Yuma community were also in attendance to award Kilcer with tokens of appreciation.
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