A long-delayed National Police Foundation report released today commended the initial officers’ response to the fatal stabbing of Humboldt State University student David “Josiah” Lawson nearly three years ago but found a systemic failure by the police department’s then leadership to provide adequate training on crime scene management and command skills, which severely hindered the […]
Arcata Police Department
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Fatal Apartment Fire in Arcata
One person was found dead after in an apartment fire that broke out in Arcata before dawn on Feb. 2, according to Police Chief Brian Ahearn. “Arcata Fire located one body inside of a ground floor unit,” Ahearn said. “The person was deceased.” The cause of the fire, which broke out just before 5:30 a.m. […]
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Battle of the Badges Nets Record-Breaking Day at the Blood Bank
Yesterday’s Battle of the Badges at the Northern California Community Blood Bank was a competition with one clear winner — patients. The friendly rivalry between 16 local public safety agencies brought the highest number of donors the nonprofit blood bank has seen in a single day since 2001. In total, 188 people gave their time, […]
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Charmaine Lawson ‘Outraged’ at APD’s Press Release, State of Investigation into Son’s Killing
Charmaine Lawson, the mother of slain Humboldt State University sophomore David Josiah Lawson, issued a statement yesterday criticizing the Arcata Police Department’s handling of the homicide investigation, calling it “beyond negligent.” The statement came in response to an APD press release issued Wednesday that announced the creation of a 24-hour tip line in the case […]
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APD Seeks Public’s Help in Lawson Case
With the investigation into the 2017 stabbing death of Humboldt State University sophomore David Josiah Lawson back in its lap, the Arcata Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying witnesses. The department sent out a press release this afternoon announcing that it has set up a 24-hour tip line — (707) 825-2590 […]
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Arcata Police: 1 Arrested After Shooting Incident
A man in his 20s was shot in Arcata this morning following a “verbal altercation” between two groups of residents at an apartment complex on Heather Lane, according to an Arcata Police Department release. He suffered “non-life threatening” injuries and was taken to the hospital. Read earlier Journal coverage here. After police received word that […]
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Suspect in Fatal Arcata Stabbing Arrested
Brandon Matthew Watson, the 27-year-old man suspected in Thursday’s fatal stabbing in Arcata, was taken into custody today. According to an Arcata Police Department release, Watson was arrested after being seen at a residence off Walnut Drive in Cutten based on “citizen tips.” He has been booked into the Humboldt County jail on suspicion of […]
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Arcata Police Name Suspect in Fatal Stabbing
The Arcata Police Department has identified Arcata resident Brandon Matthew Watson, 27, as a suspect in the fatal stabbing of Peter Samuel Triantos on Thursday. Watson remains at-large and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. The identification was made with the “help of witnesses and video surveillance from nearby businesses,” according to a […]
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APD Investigating Incident of Shots Fired into the Air at Weekend House Party
The Arcata Police Department is investigating after shots were fired into the air early Sunday morning during a fight at a Susan Avenue house party. No one was injured. A vehicle that matched the description of the suspect’s was later stopped in Eureka but no firearm was located and the occupants were released at the […]
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Arcata Arson Suspect Arrested
A man suspected of setting a fire at the Intermodal Transit Facility in Arcata Sunday was arrested yesterday afternoon on suspicion of arson. According to an Arcata Police Department release, Brandon Jay Childers was identified using surveillance video. The 28 year old was located near the scene of the fire. The amount of damage caused […]
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McKinley Statue Vandalized
The statue of President William McKinley was doused overnight or early this morning with some sort of liquid that left a greenish patina discoloration down the front and back of the figure. The Mad River Union reports the vandalism was discovered by a city worker and has been reported to the Arcata Police Department. The […]