Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office follows:

On 12/31/11 at about 2:00 p.m. Sheriff Deputies responded to Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna to investigate a reported gunshot victim receiving treatment in the Emergency Room.

Upon arrival they met with a Hispanic male subject that was being treated for a single gunshot wound to the back. The victim reported that he has been sleeping on river bar near Fernbridge for several nights. He awoke today to the sound of gunshots and immediately got up and started running. The victim said he was shot once in the back and continued running toward a nearby roadway. The victim was able to flag down a passing motorist who transported the injured man to Redwood Memorial Hospital.

When the Deputy attempted to interview the victim regarding the details and exact location of the shooting, the victim declined to answer any questions and provided a false name to the Deputy. The victim required further emergency care. The Deputy was unable to question the victim any further.

On 1/1/12 Deputies attempted to re-interview the victim at the hospital. Once again the male refused to provide any further details on how and where he was shot.

The victim is a 20-year-old Hispanic male. Further investigation has revealed the victims true name, however his identity is not being released at time pending further investigation and interviews.

Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Sheriffs Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriffs Office Crime Tip line 707-268-2539.