Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release:

On 12-5-2013, at approximately 12:30 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a home invasion robbery, which just occurred in the 3600 block of A Avenue, Hydesville. When deputies arrived on scene, they met with the two victims, a 55 year old male who is the homeowner, and his 38 year old male friend who was visiting from Fortuna. They told the deputies they heard a knocking at the front door of the residence at approximately 11:30 p.m., on 12-4-2013. When the homeowner answered the front door, an unknown black male adult shoved a dark colored semi auto handgun into his face and said, “Get on the ground, I’m not playing”. Five or six other black male adults all wearing dark colored clothing, gloves, ski masks and pantyhose over their faces armed with dark colored semi auto handguns ran into the residence demanding marijuana and cash. The homeowner was tied up with zip ties around his wrists and ankles then left on the floor near the front door. One of the suspects then rummaged through the homeowners pockets and removed his wallets and keys. The homeowner was then dragged into a bathroom while the suspects demanded to know where the safe was inside the home. Suddenly one of the suspects yelled they needed to leave, all the suspects fled. The suspects stole approximately 150 pounds of processed marijuana in seven 50 gallon plastic garbage bags, along with the homeowners keys and wallet.

The second victim related the same story to the deputies as the homeowner, however, told the deputies he had been tied up by a different suspect who used duct tape. The second victim was dragged into a back bedroom and told not to move. One of the suspects held a gun to his back during the entire robbery.

After the suspects fled the scene the second victim was able to free himself and untied the homeowner. The suspects fled in two newer white sedans and a newer white Chevy Tahoe. The victims were not injured.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.