The Humboldt County Drug Task Force apprehended 4 pounds of “suspected heroin packaged for sale” during a traffic stop last week in Southern Humboldt.
Jessie Kate Hawk, 38, and David Eugene Couch, 62, were identified as suspects and detained. The two were stopped on U.S. Highway 101 near Miranda after agent were able to secure a search warrant “for vehicles occupied by Hawk.”
The warrant was obtained after a "multi-week investigation," during which HCDTF agents received information that Hawk had been suspected of distributing heroin in Humboldt County.
According to the release, Hawk and Couch both have medical conditions that would not allow for booking and they were released from the scene. However, HCDTF agents will be submitting their reports to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution for transportation and possession of controlled substances for sale.
PRESS RELEASE
Last week the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) seized approximately 4 pounds of suspected heroin in Southern Humboldt County. The suspects in the case were identified as Jessie Kate Hawk (aka “JK” age 38) and David Eugene Couch (age 62).
On November 20th, 2019, at approximately 9:45 p.m., HCDTF special agents conducted a traffic stop on Highway 101 near the Miranda exit. During their multi-week investigation, agents received information that one of the occupants of the vehicle, Jessie Kate Hawk, is distributing heroin throughout Humboldt County. Through their investigation, HCDTF agents were able to secure a search warrant for vehicles occupied by Hawk.
During the traffic stop, agents detained both Hawk and Couch without incident. Agents searched the vehicle pursuant to the search warrant and located approximately 4 pounds of suspected heroin packaged for sales.
Hawk and Couch (attached are previous booking photographs) both had medical conditions that would not allow for booking and they were subsequently released from the scene. Agents will be submitting their reports to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office requesting prosecution on these suspects for transportation and possession of controlled substances for sales.
Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976 or the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 707-268-2539.
An Indiana man who had just moved to Eureka was assaulted Sept. 26 has died as a result of the injuries received, according to a press release sent out by the Eureka Police Department.
The case is now an active homicide investigation and an autopsy is scheduled for today.
On Sept. 26, a sergeant with EPD found 55 year-old Brett Keiling with injuries suffered during an assault as the officer was patrolling the Third Street area. Keiling was transported to a local hospital for emergency care.
Anyone who has information about the crime is asked to contact detective Ron Harpham at 441-4305 or rharpham@ci.eureka.ca.gov.
Update:
The victim of the September 26, 2019 assault near the 400 block of Third Street has passed away as a result of the injuries received during the assault. This is now an active
homicide investigation. The next of kin has been notified and the victim has been identified as Brett Keiling (55 of Indiana). An autopsy is scheduled for October 11, 2019. This is an active investigation and further information will be released as appropriate.
Anyone who has information about this crime should contact Sr. Detective Ron Harpham at 707-441-4305 or rharpham@ci.eureka.ca.gov
Original Release:
On September 26, 2019 at about 5:25 a.m., a Sergeant with the Eureka Police Department was patrolling an alley near the 400 block of Third street in Eureka when he located an injured man. The 55-year-old male, who recently moved here from Indiana, was
transported to a local hospital for emergency care. Investigators have determined that the injuries are from an assault that occurred at about 4:15 a.m.
This is an active investigation and further information will be released as appropriate.
Anyone who has information about this crime should contact Sr. Detective Ron Harpham at 707-441-4305 or rharpham@ci.eureka.ca.gov