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Man who deliberately sank boat changes plea

Interior of courtroom

LAKE HAVASU CITY – A Lake Havasu City man accused of sabotaging a boat and scuffling with arresting officers negotiated changes before a plea agreement was entered on his behalf during a January 5 hearing in Kingman. Ryan Kuebler, 40, had been charged with two counts of aggravated assault involving a first responder, resisting arrest and criminal damage for a March 21, 2025 incident at the Nautical Beachfront Resort.

Surveillance system footage reportedly showed Kuebler pulling a plug on a boat, submerging the engine and a portion of the watercraft. 

A police report said two officers trying to take Kuebler into custody the day after the boat incident encountered resistance. It said Kuebler exclaimed “No” when informed he was being arrested.

The police narrative said Kuebler ran about 100 yards before he was tased by a pursuing officer. It said Kuebler kicked both officers before he was subdued.

Before and during the hearing Kuebler said he wanted the benefit of the probation guaranteed deal, but that he objected to the plea term convicting him of aggravated assault.

“I don’t think it’s fair that I’m getting a felony for aggravated assault,” Kuebler said. He agreed that he did not submit to be taken into custody, but insisted he did not assault the officers.

Ensuing discussion saw Mohave County Superior Court judge Lee Jantzen and prosecutor James Gilmore amend the plea to save the deal. Ultimately, Kuebler pleaded guilty to resisting arrest in a resolution with the same punishment parameters.

Kuebler conceded that he struggled with the officers and tried to push them away.

Kuebler will be placed on probation and could be sentenced to up to one year in jail at a February 2 sentencing hearing.