News

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is cautioning residents in the North Bank Road areas of McKinleyville and Arcata not to open their doors to strangers and asking motorists not to pick up hitchhikers along nearby highways as they search for a wanted fugitive.

According to the HCSO, Arcata resident Matthew Lyle Dilley, 34, abandon his car on a North Bank Road property after a high speed chase this morning. He is believed to be armed and anyone who spots him is asked to call 911.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is at the scene of a shooting that took place around 11:30 a.m. in the area of Mad River Road and Miller Lane, in the county’s jurisdiction of the Arcata Bottoms. Find updates here.

“This is rapidly developing investigation involving multiple agencies. More information will be released as available. Please AVOID the area while law enforcement works,” the HCSO Facebook post states.

It is not immediately clear if this is related to the search for Dilley.

The HCSO states Dilley is wanted on a Ramey Warrant for charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment, battery with serious injury, assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, domestic violence, stalking, exhibiting a deadly weapon and vandalism.

Dilley is described as white male adult, 5 feet 8 inches tall, approximately 175 pounds, last seen wearing a white shirt, gray sweatshirt and dark pants.

Read the full release below:

McKinleyville/Arcata Residents: Deputies are searching for wanted fugitive Matthew Lyle Dilley, age 34 of Arcata, who was last seen in the area of North Bank Road.

Dilley was involved in a high-speed pursuit early this morning while fleeing from deputies. The vehicle he was driving was found unoccupied on a property on North Bank Road.

Dilley is wanted on a Ramey Warrant for charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment, battery with serious injury, assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, domestic violence, stalking, exhibiting a deadly weapon and vandalism.

Dilley is described as white male adult, 5 feet 8 inches tall, approximately 175 pounds, last seen wearing a white shirt, grey sweatshirt and dark pants. Dilley is believed to be armed.

Residents in the area of North Bank Road are asked to not open their door to strangers and to report any observed suspicious persons or activity immediately. Travelers in the area of Highways 101 and 299 are urged to NOT pick up hitchhikers in the area. If you see Dilley, do not approach but call 9-1-1.