A curious followup to the Devil’s Playground homeless encampment raid from earlier this week. Today, the Eureka Police Department released a series of photos taken of wanted man Joshua Stockoff taken near the suspect’s tent. In the images, Stockoff can be seen with weapons. 

But what about these pictures? LoCO called EPD Captain Steve Watson for some clarification on where these images came from. Had Eureka Police set up trail cameras — the kind used by hunters to record animal activity — to monitor the homeless, we wondered?

That was not the case. According to Watson, the camera was recovered from the site and was likely installed by Stockoff in an attempt to monitor activity at his makeshift residence.

EPD considers Stockoff to be potentially armed and dangerous. More in the press release below:

On March 17, 2015, at about 7:30 AM, Eureka Police Department officers and detectives with the Problem Oriented Policing Unit served a search warrant at a transient encampment located in the greenbelt area just north of the Bayshore Mall. The warrant was obtained after EPD received information from multiple sources that the residents of the illegal camp were in possession of a cache of firearms and dealing methamphetamine.

During a search of the encampment, officers located ammunition, 5 firearms, methamphetamine, and stolen property. Approximately 80 yards of trash and junk was removed from the illegal encampment by City clean-up crews (3 large dumpsters were filled).

Suspect Timothy Lynn Stockhoff (age 53 of Eureka) was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of stolen property and possession of methamphetamine. He has since been released from custody after posting bail.

Timothy’s son, Joshua Allen Stockhoff (age 27 of Eureka), was not located at the time the search warrant was served. A short-barreled (sawed-off) 20-gauge shotgun and ammunition was located in his tent. Joshua Stockhoff is currently wanted by EPD on multiple felonies including: felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, and possession of a short-barreled shotgun.

EPD investigators recovered a trail camera outside of Joshua Stockhoff’s tent containing images showing him carrying firearms. The .30 caliber M1 carbine he is depicted holding has been recovered. However, a small pistol in a holster attached to his belt has not been located.

EPD asks that anyone with information concerning Joshua Stockhoff’s whereabouts call our communications center at (707) 441-4044. Do not attempt to approach or apprehend him as he may be considered possibly armed and dangerous.

PREVIOUSLY: EPD Raids Devil’s Playground Campground Again; Finds Guns, Meth, Chickens, Fully Stocked Bike Shop