A Eureka police officer was found to have failed to timely investigate allegations of the sexual abuse of a minor last year, neglecting to take any action on a report from school staff for more than a month. The officer, who resigned amid the internal affairs investigation, was found to have neglected his duties, engaged […]
Brian Stephens
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Eureka Police Department ‘Key Takeaways’ of Weekend Protests (VIDEO)
The Eureka Police Department has responded to media inquiries regarding Saturday and Sunday’s protest. In an email, EPD notes the “key takeaways” of the past two days of protest. An incident involving a red Jeep and a pedestrian has been assigned to an officer for further investigation. No arrests were made on Saturday, but Sunday […]
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UPDATED: Security Guard Shoots, Kills One
UPDATE: The man shot has been identified as Herbert Macias, 56, of Eureka. EPD Capt. Brian Stephens confirms that more details about the case may be released after interviews have been completed. The name of the shooter and the security firm for whom he or she works has not yet been released. Previously: The Eureka […]
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UPDATED: Chief Mills’ Last Day Set for July 21
UPDATE: The Eureka City Council is not currently slated to discuss the process for replacing police Chief Andrew Mills at the July 18 meeting, which comes just three days before his last day on the job. City Clerk Pam Powell said more information on the process may be announced next week and the appointment of […]
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Expert Opinions Collide in EPD Shooting Trial
Attorneys rested their cases today in a federal wrongful death trial after presenting testimony from law enforcement experts who gave conflicting views on whether a Eureka police officer’s fatal shooting of Thomas “Tommy” McClain was justified. A trio of police officers had McClain at gunpoint outside of his Allard Avenue home in the early morning […]
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McClain Witness: ‘There Was No Reason to Shoot’
Thomas “Tommy” McClain was walking toward Eureka police officers with his hands raised above waist level while navigating a barrage of conflicting commands when he was fatally shot, according to witness testimony today. Nichole Mottern, the wife of McClain’s cousin, who was standing in front of the Allard Avenue home the three shared that night, […]
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‘It Needed to be Done,’ EPD Officer Testifies in Wrongful Death Trial
The Eureka police officer who fatally shot Thomas “Tommy” McClain testified Tuesday that he stood by his actions and believed he had no choice but to shoot when the 22-year-old reached for what he believed was a gun in his waistband. “I was scared that the gun was going to come out and he was […]
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City of Eureka: Pick Up Your Stuff
On Tuesday night the Eureka City Council voted 4-0, with councilmember Kim Bergel absent, to approve a Storage of Personal Property Ordinance that will allow the police department to tag, then bag property left on city land. The ordinance comes as a response to recent issues with people leaving items behind after staying in designated […]
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Run, Hide, Fight: EPD Prepares Residents for Active Shooter
“Don’t ever say it won’t happen here,” said Eureka Police Capt. Brian Stephens, who led a training on active shooter situations to a packed audience at the Sequoia Conference Center on Thursday afternoon. The presentation, which included several training videos and a demonstration with volunteers from the Eureka Boys and Girls Club, had practical advice […]
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UPDATE: Eureka Council approves body cam purchase
UPDATE: The Eureka City Council voted unanimously last night to allocate $60,000 to purchase body-worn cameras for its police department. Prior to last night’s vote, Eureka Police Department Capt. Brian Stephens briefed the council on the departments’ proposal, as well as the rough outline of a draft policy the department is working on to govern […]
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Homeless in Humboldt Update: Death, Drones and Rallies
A drone video of the PalCo Marsh, known to some as “The Devil’s Playground,” shows camps still firmly entrenched in the wooded area just behind the mall, an area where the Eureka Police Department is preparing to cite and arrest campers. EPD is encouraging people to move north, to the flat area adjacent to the […]
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Body Cameras Go Live in Rio Dell; EPD Eyeing Launch by End of Year
If you find yourself being stopped by a cop in Rio Dell, remember to smile and maybe even fix your hair: You’ll be on camera. After ironing out a few technical kinks, Rio Dell Police Chief Graham Hill and each of his four officers are now outfitted with body cameras to wear in the field. […]