Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release: 

On 08-26-2015 at 6:55 p.m. two off- duty Humboldt County Sheriff Deputies were at McKinleyville High School watching a youth football practice. Both deputies were wearing civilian attire. There were approximately 50-60 kids on the football field practicing football with about 15 parents and coaches watching the practice.

At this time the off-duty deputies saw and heard a female subject repeatedly yelling obscenities and waving her arms in the air walking towards the football field. The subject was not associated with the football practice. The two off- duty deputies could hear another female yelling “Chelsea stop, calm down”. The female yelling appeared to be emotionally disturbed and appeared to be getting more aggressive in her posture.

At this time many of the parents knew the off-duty deputies worked for the Sheriff’s Office and were looking at them for assistance in the increasing volatile situation. The off-duty deputies then walked over to the female subject, who they later identified as 21 year old Chelsea Delia-Star Carlson from McKinleyville.

The deputies attempted to calm down Carlson by talking to her and explained to her that they were off- duty deputies. Carlson calmed down for a few seconds then started again with her unstable behavior. The deputies attempted to convince Carlson to simply leave the football field, but she refused. Carlson then started screaming again. The deputies could detect a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on her person. Carlson speech was slurred and she was unsteady on her feet. The deputies determined Carlson was intoxicated to a point she was a danger to herself and others.

The deputies then attempted to place Carlson under arrest for public intoxication. When they attempted to place Carlson under arrest she lunged towards the deputies and attempted to punch one of the deputies with her hands. The deputy was able to deflect her fists. The deputy then grabbed Carlson and placed her into a “bear hug” to avoid being assaulted further by Carlson.

Carlson continued trying to kick the deputy so he placed her onto the ground to avoid being injured by Carlson. Carlson was able to scratch the deputy’s arm with her fingernails when he was attempting to control her. The entire time Carlson was yelling and screaming obscenities. When Carlson was on the ground she still was attempting to kick and hit the deputy.

A large group of people not associated with the football practice game were attempting to get involved and interfere in the altercation. The second off-duty deputy was able to keep the other people away from the altercation by repeating numerous times they were police officers. It was a very tense situation for several minutes trying to keep the other subjects away.

On duty Humboldt County Sheriff Deputies responded to the scene along with the California Highway Patrol Officers and Arcata Police Department Officers to help calm the situation. When the other officers arrived on scene they were able to calm down the situation of the crowd.

The off-duty deputy received abrasions to the outer side of his forearms and elbow and abrasions to his face. The Deputy also injured his knee during this incident with Carlson.

Carlson was placed under arrest for assault and battery, resisting arrest, disturbing the peace and public intoxication. Carlson was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. Carlson was released from custody when she became sober. Carlson was then given a court date to appear in Superior Court for the above listed charges.

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.