Fortuna Police Department:

On Thursday, October 29, 2020 at approximately 9:55 p.m., a Fortuna Police Officer on patrol observed a vehicle parked in the 1000 block of Loni drive. The officer observed the driver to be a known unlicensed driver, Lisandro U Herrera-Herrera (age 22) of Fortuna, whom the officer had issued a traffic citation to a few days prior. Lisandro did not comply with the officer’s instructions and attempted to leave on foot. The officer attempted to detain Lisandro in handcuffs and Lisandro physically resisted.

While attempting to secure Lisandro in handcuffs the officer was physically attacked by another subject. A relative of Lisandro’s, Jesse Adair Herrera (age 18) of Fortuna attacked the officer from behind, wrapping his arm around the officer’s throat and neck, placing the officer in a “choke-hold.” The officer physically felt the effects of being choked directed attention to Jesse Adair Herrera. The officer managed to break free of Jesse and both Jesse Adair Herrera and Lisandro fled into a nearby residence. Additional officers arrived on scene to assist. Officers pursued Jesse and Lisandro, forcing entry into the residence during a fresh pursuit. Inside the residence, another officer was attacked by a dog, causing minor injury. Officers successfully took Jesse and Lisandro into custody without further incident.

Lisandro U Herrera-Herrera was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges.

14601.2(a) of the California Vehicle Code – Driving on a Suspended License

23152(a) of the California Vehicle Code – Driving Under the Influence

148(a)(1) of the California Penal Code – Obstructing, Resisting, or Delaying a Peace Officer

Jesse Adair Herrera was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges.

245(a)(4) of the California Penal Code – Assault by Force likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury

69 of the California Penal Code – Violence to an Officer
The officers sustained minor injuries as a result of this incident.

The Fortuna Police Department is saddened with the violence shown towards officers in this incident.

The Fortuna Police Department remains committed to public safety. Any questions regarding this incident can be directed to the Patrol Commander, Lieutenant Matt Eberhardt at (707)-725-7550.