News

The identity of the man shot by Arcata Police officers on May 17 has been released. Joshua Adelynia Hoffman, 26, of San Diego, was shot four times in the Shell gas station at 14th and G streets. 

APD also identified the two officers involved in the incident: Matthew O'Donovan deployed his taser and Don Arminio discharged his firearm, according to a press release. They have been put on administrative leave per standard protocol.

Arminio opened fire, according to APD, as Hoffman charged him wielding a metal cane while ignoring numerous orders from the officers. Neither officer was injured during the incident.

According to his Facebook page, Hoffman grew up in Southern California, where he worked as a lifeguard and for a stint at Costco. He graduated from Canyon Crest Academy — a sought-after public school near San Diego that offers specialized education in arts, science and technology — before moving to Eureka in 2013. The site lists Hoffman’s current city of residence as Garberville.

The Facebook page hints strongly that Hoffman is interested in outdoor recreation and travelling, as there are a host of pictures of him hiking and boating, and he mentions trips Barbados, Canada, Puerto Rico and elsewhere. Posts on the page also paint the picture of a 26-year-old Bernie Sanders supporter who’s drawn to religion, self improvement and a few fringe conspiracy theories.

He remains in critical but stable condition.

From the Arcata Police Department:

On May 17, 2016 two police officers from the Arcata Police Department were involved in an incident that resulted in the shooting of 26-year-old Joshua Adelynia Hoffman of San Diego. Mr. Hoffman sustained four gunshot wounds. He is currently in critical but stable condition at a local hospital.

Arcata Police Officer Matthew O'Donovan, hired by APD in 2012 discharged his taser during the incident and Arcata Police Officer Don Arminio, hired by APD in 2008 discharged his firearm during the incident.

As is standard protocol, both police officers have been placed on administrative leave.

The shooting remains under investigation by the Humboldt County Critical Incident Response Team.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Arcata Police Department at 822-2428.