Still think crime is down?

◼ TS Man shot, in custody after McKinleyville robbery
One man was shot and three others remain on the run after a victim in a home invasion robbery fired a gun at their fleeing car....

◼ HCSO Press Release:

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a residence on the 1400 block of Harden Drive in McKinleyville early this afternoon after receiving a report of a home invasion robbery. At about 12:25 Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the home after the residents there called 911. The three occupants reported they heard a knock at the door and upon answering the door three black adult males shoved their way into the house. The three suspects stole marijuana from the victims and fled the house. As they attempted to drive away, one of the victims fired a weapon toward the vehicle. An additional witness reported seeing a total of four suspects in the fleeing vehicle.

A short time later a local hospital reported they were treating a man for gunshot wounds. Witnesses at the hospital reported seeing three men flee from the car after dropping off the injured man at the hospital. The men were seen running into a field near Pacific Union Elementary School. Sheriff’s Deputies, Arcata Police Officers, and California Highway Patrol Officers responded to the scene. Additionally, the CHP launched a fixed-wing aircraft to aid in the search. Officers were unable to locate the three suspects.

The suspect being treated for his injuries is in stable condition. Anyone with information about this case should call Sgt. Wayne Hanson at (707) 268-3639. The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released as it becomes available.


Adding a "McKinleyville" label. Crime is up in our town. No matter how the spin doctors twist the statistics.

◼ Three suspects at large after Sunday home invasion
Humboldt County sheriff's spokeswoman Brenda Godsey said Monday that the patient -- whose name is being withheld due to security concerns -- is considered a suspect in the case, but has not been arrested or charged with a crime.

”To make an arrest in any case, we have to make sure that proper police procedure has been followed,” Godsey said. “In any case, there can be times when it seems an obvious conclusion can be drawn, but we need to make sure we have proper physical evidence before we can make an arrest.”

Witnesses at the hospital reported seeing three men exit a blue Hyundai on foot after leaving a companion to be treated at the hospital. According to the press release, witnesses told deputies that the three men fled on foot into a field near Pacific Union Elementary School. A multi-agency manhunt ensued, with sheriff's deputies, Arcata police officers and California Highway Patrol officers all scouring the area on foot and a CHP fixed-wing aircraft searching from above.

Officers were unable to locate the three suspects, and they remained at large as of the Times-Standard's deadline Monday.

The blue Hyundai, which has bullet holes in its windshield, has been recovered and is being processed for evidence, Godsey said, adding that investigators have also seized marijuana and the handgun used in Sunday's shooting from the Harden Drive home.

Godsey said the injured suspect remains in stable condition at the hospital being treated for a pair of wounds and, according to a legal expert, the man who put him there could soon find himself in hot water.

University of California Hastings School of Law professor David Levine said that, because the shooting allegedly occurred as the vehicle was leaving the scene, it doesn't seem to be an act of self-defense.

”At that point, you call the cops. That's about all you can do, no matter how frustrating that might be,” Levine said, adding that danger is a prerequisite for using self-defense as a justification for shooting at someone. “You're not entitled to retaliate under self-defense. You're only allowed to actually defend yourself if you or another person is in danger.”

Godsey declined to comment on whether the occupant who fired the handgun at the fleeing suspects may face charges in the case, or if residents of the Harden Drive home may face charges for marijuana possession.

”When our investigation is complete and we have a clearer picture of events as they unfolded, we will forward all of that information on to the (District Attorney's) Office and they can determine if any charges will be filed,” Godsey said.

Based on the information provided by the Sheriff's Office, Levine said it seems the shooter did violate the law, but added he wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't see any charges filed as a result.

”Essentially, it's assault with a deadly weapon and could be a potential attempted murder,” Levine said. “The problem is, it's a pretty tough case to win with a jury. Absent some extreme case, these things are rarely prosecuted because the sympathies always rest with (the shooter).”