Crime
Friday, September 22, 2023
Arrest Made After Fatal Hit and Run at Richardson Grove
Posted By Thadeus Greenson on Fri, Sep 22, 2023 at 9:09 AM
A 57-year-old Carmichael man was killed and a Leggett man arrested after a hit-and-run crash on U.S. Highway 101 near Richardson Grove State Park on Wednesday.
According to a California Highway Patrol press release, the 67-year-old Carmichael man was walking from a trail on the west edge of the roadway south of the park entrance when he stopped to wait for a family member. At that moment, a black Toyota Tundra heading south allegedly driven Earl Castillo, 53, drifted off the roadway and onto the dirt shoulder, hitting the man. The truck then fled the scene.
Based on evidence found at the crash site and witness statements, police put out a be-on-the-lookout advisory for the pickup truck, which was spotted by some Caltrans workers, who called police. Two CHP officers then attempted to pull over the vehicle, which again fled at a high rate of speed, eventually turning up a private driveway only to be blocked by a locked gate, according to the release.
Police were then able to detain Castillo, who was later determined to be impaired, according to the release, and booked into jail on suspicion of driving under the influence causing grave injury, as well as other charges.
The identity of the man killed in the crash is being withheld at this time, pending notification of his family.
See the full CHP press release copied below:
According to a California Highway Patrol press release, the 67-year-old Carmichael man was walking from a trail on the west edge of the roadway south of the park entrance when he stopped to wait for a family member. At that moment, a black Toyota Tundra heading south allegedly driven Earl Castillo, 53, drifted off the roadway and onto the dirt shoulder, hitting the man. The truck then fled the scene.
Based on evidence found at the crash site and witness statements, police put out a be-on-the-lookout advisory for the pickup truck, which was spotted by some Caltrans workers, who called police. Two CHP officers then attempted to pull over the vehicle, which again fled at a high rate of speed, eventually turning up a private driveway only to be blocked by a locked gate, according to the release.
Police were then able to detain Castillo, who was later determined to be impaired, according to the release, and booked into jail on suspicion of driving under the influence causing grave injury, as well as other charges.
The identity of the man killed in the crash is being withheld at this time, pending notification of his family.
See the full CHP press release copied below:
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
EPD Names Suspect, Described as 'Armed and Dangerous,' in Fatal Stabbing
Posted By Kimberly Wear on Wed, Sep 20, 2023 at 4:08 PM
The Eureka Police Department has named a suspect in a fatal Aug. 2 stabbing at a residence on the 100 block of W. Sonoma Street.
According to a news release, EPD has secured an arrest warrant for Eureka resident Destinee Grace Rhamy, 20, in connection with the death of 27-year old Holland Elbik.
Rhamy is described as a white female, who is about 5 feet 6 inches tall with a medium build, dark hair and blue eyes. She is considered to be armed and dangerous, according to the release, and EPD asks that anyone who sees her or knows where she might be is immediately call the department at (707) 441-4044 or 911 and not attempt to contact her.
According to a news release, EPD has secured an arrest warrant for Eureka resident Destinee Grace Rhamy, 20, in connection with the death of 27-year old Holland Elbik.
Rhamy is described as a white female, who is about 5 feet 6 inches tall with a medium build, dark hair and blue eyes. She is considered to be armed and dangerous, according to the release, and EPD asks that anyone who sees her or knows where she might be is immediately call the department at (707) 441-4044 or 911 and not attempt to contact her.
According to EPD, officers responded to the W. Sonoma Street residence after receiving a 911 call reporting a physical fight at that location and found Elbik inside suffering from “medical distress.”
“Officers and medical personnel from Humboldt Bay Fire and City Ambulance attempted lifesaving measures, unfortunately, Elbik died at the hospital,” the release states. “Officers determined she had sustained multiple injuries as a result of a physical altercation between Elbik, a roommate, Destinee Rhamy, and a male friend of Rhamy. The EPD has conducted an in-depth investigation of the incident and has determined Holland Elbik was stabbed to death during the altercation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Ray Nunez at (707) 441-4109.
Find the full EPD release below:
On August 2, 2023, at about 6:37 p.m., Officers with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) responded to the 100 block of W. Sonoma Street in response to a 911 call of a physical altercation.
Responding officers discovered 27-year old Holland Elbik experiencing medical distress inside her home. Officers and medical personnel from Humboldt Bay Fire and City Ambulance attempted lifesaving measures, unfortunately, Elbik died at the hospital. Officers determined she had sustained multiple injuries as a result of a physical altercation between Elbik, a roommate, Destinee Rhamy, and a male friend of Rhamy.
The EPD has conducted an in-depth investigation of the incident and has determined Holland Elbik was stabbed to death during the altercation.
The EPD has secured an arrest warrant for Destinee Grace Rhamy of Eureka, in connection with the homicide. Rhamy is described as a 20-year old white female, approximately 5’6” tall, medium build, with dark hair and blue eyes.
If you see Rhamy, or know of her whereabouts, please call the Eureka Police Department immediately at 707-441-4044 or dial 9-1-1. Do not attempt to contact or apprehend Rhamy as she is considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Ray Nunez at 707-441-4109.
Sunday, September 17, 2023
CHP Officer Shoots, Kills Suspect Amid Pursuit Near Hoopa
Posted By Thadeus Greenson on Sun, Sep 17, 2023 at 4:38 PM
A California Highway Patrol officer fatally shot a suspect near Hoopa this morning, according to a press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.
According to the release, the officer attempted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation on State Route 96 and the car failed to yield, resulting in a short pursuit.
"Upon yielding, a male driver of the vehicle reportedly exited and fled on foot," the release states, adding that the officer was able to "overtake" the suspect after about 200 yards. "A struggle reportedly ensued as the officer attempted to take the man into custody and an officer involved shooting occurred. The man was fatally wounded as a result."
The shooting is being investigated by the multi-agency Humboldt County Critical Incident Response Team, with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office's Major Crimes Division and the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office leading the effort, in conjunction with the California Department of Justice.
The sheriff's office asks anyone with information about the case to call (707) 445-7251 or the crime tip line at (707) 268-2539.
See the full press release copied below:
According to the release, the officer attempted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation on State Route 96 and the car failed to yield, resulting in a short pursuit.
"Upon yielding, a male driver of the vehicle reportedly exited and fled on foot," the release states, adding that the officer was able to "overtake" the suspect after about 200 yards. "A struggle reportedly ensued as the officer attempted to take the man into custody and an officer involved shooting occurred. The man was fatally wounded as a result."
The shooting is being investigated by the multi-agency Humboldt County Critical Incident Response Team, with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office's Major Crimes Division and the Humboldt County District Attorney's Office leading the effort, in conjunction with the California Department of Justice.
The sheriff's office asks anyone with information about the case to call (707) 445-7251 or the crime tip line at (707) 268-2539.
See the full press release copied below:
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Crowley Questions Mount for Harbor District
Posted By Thadeus Greenson on Tue, Sep 5, 2023 at 5:03 PM
Pressure is mounting on the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District to reconsider its relationship with Crowley Maritime, its partner in the rush to develop a marine terminal to serve the proposed offshore wind farm, or at least to hold off on consummating the partnership.
The first official salvo came Aug. 20 in the form of an op-ed Yurok Tribal Chair Joseph James published in a local paper calling on the district to “reconsider” its exclusive right to negotiate agreement with the international maritime industry giant due to a “rotten company culture” evidenced by two federal lawsuits. The latest, meanwhile, hit Aug. 31, with news that Crowley Wind Services Vice President Jeff Andreini had left the company amid sexual harassment allegations with ties to Humboldt County, as first reported by the Lost Coast Outpost.
Harbor District Executive Director Larry Oetker released a letter in response to the Outpost’s reporting about Andreini’s departure stating that the district takes allegations of sexual harassment “very seriously and holds the safety and well-being of our community paramount.” But the letter did not mention Crowley — much less Andreini — by name or denote any next steps, leaving it unclear exactly where things go from here. What does seem clear, however, is that questions about Crowley’s handling of sexual assault and harassment allegations and what the company’s culture mean for its future in a region with the highest rates of missing and murdered indigenous people in the country are poised to continue.
The first official salvo came Aug. 20 in the form of an op-ed Yurok Tribal Chair Joseph James published in a local paper calling on the district to “reconsider” its exclusive right to negotiate agreement with the international maritime industry giant due to a “rotten company culture” evidenced by two federal lawsuits. The latest, meanwhile, hit Aug. 31, with news that Crowley Wind Services Vice President Jeff Andreini had left the company amid sexual harassment allegations with ties to Humboldt County, as first reported by the Lost Coast Outpost.
Harbor District Executive Director Larry Oetker released a letter in response to the Outpost’s reporting about Andreini’s departure stating that the district takes allegations of sexual harassment “very seriously and holds the safety and well-being of our community paramount.” But the letter did not mention Crowley — much less Andreini — by name or denote any next steps, leaving it unclear exactly where things go from here. What does seem clear, however, is that questions about Crowley’s handling of sexual assault and harassment allegations and what the company’s culture mean for its future in a region with the highest rates of missing and murdered indigenous people in the country are poised to continue.
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
McKinleyville Man Arrested in Arcata Murder Case
Posted By Thadeus Greenson on Tue, Aug 29, 2023 at 5:59 PM
This morning, the Arcata Police Department arrested a murder suspect in the 13000 block of Bald Hills Road in Orick.
With the Humboldt and Mendocino county sheriff's department SWAT teams, detectives served an arrest warrant at 6 a.m., according to a press release, and took Gregory Nelson Mattox, 24, of McKinelyville, into custody.
Mattox was wanted on suspicion of the murder of 36-year-old Joshua Gephart on Boyd Road. On July 2, officers responded to a report of a man down in the 500 block of Boyd Road and arrived to find Gephart dead of an apparent gunshot wound.
Mattox was taken into custody without incident, according to the press release, and booked on suspicion of murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, providing a false name to police and violating the terms of his probation.
See the full press release from APD below for more information.
With the Humboldt and Mendocino county sheriff's department SWAT teams, detectives served an arrest warrant at 6 a.m., according to a press release, and took Gregory Nelson Mattox, 24, of McKinelyville, into custody.
Mattox was wanted on suspicion of the murder of 36-year-old Joshua Gephart on Boyd Road. On July 2, officers responded to a report of a man down in the 500 block of Boyd Road and arrived to find Gephart dead of an apparent gunshot wound.
Mattox was taken into custody without incident, according to the press release, and booked on suspicion of murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, providing a false name to police and violating the terms of his probation.
See the full press release from APD below for more information.
Thursday, August 10, 2023
EPD Investigating Fatal Shooting
Posted By Thadeus Greenson on Thu, Aug 10, 2023 at 4:21 PM
The Eureka Police Department has launched a death investigation after a man was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound early this morning.
Officers responded to a report of a fight between a man and a woman involving a firearm the 3100 block of Ingley Street at 5:40 a.m. and arrived to find three women in front of the residence, according to a press release.
"Officers were directed into the residence by the females to check the welfare of the male," the release states. "Officers located a male down inside the residence and determined he had sustained what appeared to be a gunshot wound."
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the release.
The incident remains under investigation and the man has been identified, though his identity is being withheld until his family can be notified.
EPD asks anyone with information about the incident to contact detective Bailey at dbailey2@eurekaca.gov or (707) 441-4215.
Find the full press release here.
Officers responded to a report of a fight between a man and a woman involving a firearm the 3100 block of Ingley Street at 5:40 a.m. and arrived to find three women in front of the residence, according to a press release.
"Officers were directed into the residence by the females to check the welfare of the male," the release states. "Officers located a male down inside the residence and determined he had sustained what appeared to be a gunshot wound."
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the release.
The incident remains under investigation and the man has been identified, though his identity is being withheld until his family can be notified.
EPD asks anyone with information about the incident to contact detective Bailey at dbailey2@eurekaca.gov or (707) 441-4215.
Find the full press release here.
Thursday, August 3, 2023
EPD Investigating Stabbing Death
Posted By Thadeus Greenson on Thu, Aug 3, 2023 at 5:12 PM
The Eureka Police Department is investigating the stabbing death of a woman in the 100 block of W Sonoma Street yesterday evening.
Police responded to a 911 call there at 6:37 p.m. reporting a woman was in a fight with the male friend of her roommate. The arrived to find both the woman and man with injuries consistent with stab wounds, according to a press release, and both were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The woman was pronounced dead there, while the man was treated and released.
"The exact details of the incident remain under investigation by the Eureka Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit," a press release states. "The female has been identified, however, her identity will not be released at this time, pending notification of next of kin. This is a complex and active investigation and no arrests have been made."
EPD asks anyone with information about the case to contact detective Nunez at rnunez@eureka.ca.gov or (707) 441-4109.
Read the full release here.
Police responded to a 911 call there at 6:37 p.m. reporting a woman was in a fight with the male friend of her roommate. The arrived to find both the woman and man with injuries consistent with stab wounds, according to a press release, and both were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The woman was pronounced dead there, while the man was treated and released.
"The exact details of the incident remain under investigation by the Eureka Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit," a press release states. "The female has been identified, however, her identity will not be released at this time, pending notification of next of kin. This is a complex and active investigation and no arrests have been made."
EPD asks anyone with information about the case to contact detective Nunez at rnunez@eureka.ca.gov or (707) 441-4109.
Read the full release here.
Thursday, July 13, 2023
UPDATE: EPD Makes Arrest in 'Man Lit on Fire' Case
Posted By Thadeus Greenson on Thu, Jul 13, 2023 at 4:46 PM
UPDATE:
Eureka police have arrested a suspect in the case of a man “lit on fire” near the 400 block of A Street on July 12.
“Through extensive investigation, Eureka Police detectives identified 60-year-old Vaughn Pernell Jones as the suspect,” an EPD press release states, noting that Pernell was arrested on a warrant for attempted murder and mayhem on the 100 block of Second Street on July 14.
The 43-year-old victim in the case suffered critical burns, according to the release, and was transported out of the area for treatment.
PREVIOUSLY:
The Eureka Police Department has launched an investigation into a 43-year-old man who was lit on fire yesterday afternoon in what is believed to have been a targeted attack.
Police responded to the 400 block of A Street at about 3:30 p.m. yesterday to a report of a man who had been lit on fire by an unknown suspect and arrived to find the victim with "major burns" to his upper body. He was then taken to the hospital with "significant injuries" but is in stable condition, according to a press release.
Officers then searched the area for the suspect and any video surveillance footage that may have captured what happened.
"Based on the investigation at this time, it appears the suspect used a liquid accelerant to light the victim on fire then quickly fled from the scene," the release states. "Based on the investigation at this time, we believe this was a targeted attack. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Eureka Police Department at (707) 441-4060."
See the full press released copied below:
Eureka police have arrested a suspect in the case of a man “lit on fire” near the 400 block of A Street on July 12.
“Through extensive investigation, Eureka Police detectives identified 60-year-old Vaughn Pernell Jones as the suspect,” an EPD press release states, noting that Pernell was arrested on a warrant for attempted murder and mayhem on the 100 block of Second Street on July 14.
The 43-year-old victim in the case suffered critical burns, according to the release, and was transported out of the area for treatment.
PREVIOUSLY:
The Eureka Police Department has launched an investigation into a 43-year-old man who was lit on fire yesterday afternoon in what is believed to have been a targeted attack.
Police responded to the 400 block of A Street at about 3:30 p.m. yesterday to a report of a man who had been lit on fire by an unknown suspect and arrived to find the victim with "major burns" to his upper body. He was then taken to the hospital with "significant injuries" but is in stable condition, according to a press release.
Officers then searched the area for the suspect and any video surveillance footage that may have captured what happened.
"Based on the investigation at this time, it appears the suspect used a liquid accelerant to light the victim on fire then quickly fled from the scene," the release states. "Based on the investigation at this time, we believe this was a targeted attack. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Eureka Police Department at (707) 441-4060."
See the full press released copied below:
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
'Armed and Dangerous' Suspect Named in Arcata Fatal Shooting
Posted By Kimberly Wear on Tue, Jul 11, 2023 at 3:49 PM
The Arcata Police Department has released the name of the suspect in a fatal July 2 shooting.
A news release states APD has secured an arrest warrant for 24-year-old Gregory Nelson Mattox, of McKinleyville, on suspicion of murder. He is described as a white male, about 5 feet, 11 inches tall, thin build with dark hair and blue eyes.
Police said the suspect may be in posession of an handgun and is considered armed and dangerous.
Mattox is wanted in connection with the death of 36-year-old Joshua Paul Gephart, who was found dead on the 5000 block of Boyd Road just before 7:30 a.m.
The Arcata Police Department asks anyone who sees Mattox to immediately call (707) 822-2424 or 911, while it asks anyone with information to contact detective Johnson at (707) 822-2424.
Find the APD release below:
A news release states APD has secured an arrest warrant for 24-year-old Gregory Nelson Mattox, of McKinleyville, on suspicion of murder. He is described as a white male, about 5 feet, 11 inches tall, thin build with dark hair and blue eyes.
Police said the suspect may be in posession of an handgun and is considered armed and dangerous.
Mattox is wanted in connection with the death of 36-year-old Joshua Paul Gephart, who was found dead on the 5000 block of Boyd Road just before 7:30 a.m.
The Arcata Police Department asks anyone who sees Mattox to immediately call (707) 822-2424 or 911, while it asks anyone with information to contact detective Johnson at (707) 822-2424.
Find the APD release below:
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Sheriff's Office Searching for Shooting Suspect
Posted By Thadeus Greenson on Tue, Jul 4, 2023 at 7:36 AM
The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office is searching for a 26-year-old suspect in a fatal McKinleyville shooting last night.
Police were called to a home in the 2200 block of Silverbrook Court around 5:25 p.m. and arrived to find a man dead of a gunshot wound out front, according to a press release. Deputies were reportedly told Jasen Dwain Coley shot the man, whose identity is being withheld until his family can be notified, and fled the scene.
According to the release, someone matching Coley's description — 5 feet, 8 inches tall, heavy set, brown hair, brown eyes and a beard — was then spotted in Hiller Park. Police searched the area with air support from the California Highway Patrol but were unable to locate Coley.
Coley, who police believe may be armed with a rifle or shotgun, is associated with a 2016 Hyundai Elantra with Tennessee license plate number 015BKGM. The sheriff's office is asking McKinleyville residents to take some extra precautions, like locking all doors when home and not opening their doors to strangers, for the time being, and to report any suspicious circumstances by calling (707) 445-7251, extension 0.
See the full press release from the sheriff's office copied below.
Police were called to a home in the 2200 block of Silverbrook Court around 5:25 p.m. and arrived to find a man dead of a gunshot wound out front, according to a press release. Deputies were reportedly told Jasen Dwain Coley shot the man, whose identity is being withheld until his family can be notified, and fled the scene.
According to the release, someone matching Coley's description — 5 feet, 8 inches tall, heavy set, brown hair, brown eyes and a beard — was then spotted in Hiller Park. Police searched the area with air support from the California Highway Patrol but were unable to locate Coley.
Coley, who police believe may be armed with a rifle or shotgun, is associated with a 2016 Hyundai Elantra with Tennessee license plate number 015BKGM. The sheriff's office is asking McKinleyville residents to take some extra precautions, like locking all doors when home and not opening their doors to strangers, for the time being, and to report any suspicious circumstances by calling (707) 445-7251, extension 0.
See the full press release from the sheriff's office copied below.
Recent Comments
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Re: Arrest Made After Fatal Hit and Run at Richardson Grove
Fine job of the justice system. Keep letting repeat offenders off the hook with a…
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