Humboldt’s finest came out in force to pay respects to former Fortuna Police Chief William Dobberstein, 53, who died March 26, during a celebration of life held at the River Lodge Conference Center on Saturday to honor the contributions of a man who served his nation and his community. A gleaming Fortuna fire truck provided […]
Fortuna Police
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Third Student Alleges Inappropriate Behavior by Fortuna Math Teacher
Another Fortuna High School student has come forward to make allegations against the math teacher arrested Wednesday on suspicion of sexually assaulting two students. Gary Landergen, who’d returned to Fortuna High School this year, where he’d previously taught in the 1990s before leaving for Argonaut High School in Amador County, was arrested on a Ramey […]
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Fortuna High School Teacher Arrested for Alleged Sexual Battery of Students
The Fortuna Police Department has arrested Fortuna Union High School math teacher and wrestling coach Gary Landergen on allegations he sexually assaulted at least two students. According to a press release, “at least two students” came forward to report they had been the victim of “inappropriate and unwelcome groping and/or fondling by Landergen.” The Fortuna […]
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Fortuna Police: Evidence Indicates Students had the ‘Means’ to Carry Out Attack
The two male Fortuna High School students arrested yesterday afternoon for allegedly plotting to harm fellow students may have had the means to carry out the attack, Fortuna Police Chief Bill Dobberstein told the Journal after a press conference this morning. “There is some evidence that they did have the means,” Dobberstein said, adding the […]
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Alleged Plot to ‘Harm’ Students Thwarted at Fortuna High School
Two minors are being held at Juvenile Hall after Fortuna police and Fortuna High School thwarted what they believe was a plot to “harm other students,” according to a joint press release. According to the release, the high school received information of the possible plot yesterday afternoon. The two students were quickly detained, with “information […]
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UPDATE: Police Arrest Previously Barricaded Subject in Fortuna
FIFTH UPDATE: According to a Fortuna Police Department release (see below), Eureka resident Melvin Matthews, 35, was wanted on felony warrants for evading law enforcement and making threats against a police officer, grand theft and possession of a stolen vehicle. He surrendered to the Humboldt County SWAT team after a three-hour standoff. FOURTH UPDATE: The […]
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Fortuna Settles Wrongful Death Suit for $900K
The city of Fortuna has agreed to pay $900,000 to settle a federal wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of a man shot dead by police in 2012 after an appellate ruling brought the credibility of the officers involved into serious question. Jacob Newmaker, 26, was shot and killed by then Fortuna Police officer […]
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Shooting Suspect Identified as Local Healthcare Worker
The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office has identified the man who allegedly shot a woman in Fortuna Wednesday morning before turning the gun on himself as Russell Alan Kellim, 47, of Eureka. The 39-year-old woman, whose identity hasn’t been released, was flown to an out-of-area hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Fortuna police believe the […]