Robert Hartz : Yuma Man Recalls Terrifying Gunpoint Break-In

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Yuma man break-in gunpoint
2. Elderly Yuma man robbery recounted

Robert Hartz, a 79-year-old man with limited mobility, was held at gunpoint in his Yuma home. He was confronted by two armed strangers demanding money, leaving him traumatized. The suspects, identified as 18-year-old Jayden Patino and a 17-year-old boy, were swiftly arrested. Hartz’s wife, who arrived during the incident, was also threatened. The robbers took jewelry, cash, and firearms. Despite investing in a security system, Hartz advises others to be cautious. Yuma Police Department emphasized the rarity of such home invasions and the vulnerability of elderly individuals. Patino is detained on a $250,000 bond, while the juvenile suspect is in a Yuma detention center.

YUMA, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — In a quiet neighbourhood in Yuma, Arizona, 79-year-old Robert Hartz found himself in a terrifying situation. As he woke up from a nap, he was faced with two strangers in his home, both armed with guns. The fear in his voice was evident as he recounted the chilling words one of the suspects said to him, “‘Tell me where your money is or you’re gonna die,’” Hartz recalled.

The vulnerability of the elderly was evident in this harrowing experience as Hartz, with limited mobility, found himself unable to defend against the intruders. “I didn’t even get out of bed before they were on me and hitting me, asking me where the money was. I told them I didn’t have any money,” he shared. The sense of violation and fear lingered as the events unfolded in his own home.

The Yuma Police Department swiftly identified the suspects as 18-year-old Jayden Patino and a 17-year-old boy. Hartz’s wife, who had been out running an errand, returned home to a nightmare. The suspects muffled her screams and demanded access to the safe, leaving her shaken and traumatized. Hartz revealed that they had entered his home through an unlocked backdoor, highlighting the importance of home security measures.

During the robbery, the intruders made away with jewelry, money, and all of Hartz’s guns. Despite their swift capture within an hour of the crime, the emotional scars remained. “I still have trouble closing my eyes at night when I try to go to sleep,” Hartz admitted, reflecting on the lasting impact of the traumatic event.

Lori Franklin of the Yuma Police Department expressed concern over the targeting of vulnerable individuals like Hartz. “It’s disturbing because you’re picking on a vulnerable age. It’s sad. The whole thing is sad,” she remarked. The gravity of the situation was evident as the suspects faced a long list of charges, including burglary, home invasion, aggravated assault, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

In response to the incident, Hartz took proactive measures by investing in a security system for his home. He urged others, particularly the elderly, to be vigilant and prioritize their safety. “It made me realize the world isn’t a really nice place anymore. It’s really gone downhill fast,” he said, reflecting on the changing landscape of security concerns.

Jayden Patino is currently detained at the Yuma County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond, while the 17-year-old boy is held in a juvenile detention center in Yuma. The community rallied around Hartz, offering support and solidarity in the aftermath of the traumatic incident.

As the residents of Yuma come to terms with this shocking event, the importance of vigilance and security measures is underscored. The sense of safety and peace in one’s own home is a fundamental right that should be protected at all costs. Through solidarity and community awareness, incidents like these can be prevented, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals.