Forget Ferndale. Today also brought news of a Eureka mugging, a pipe bomb at a SoHum school, a broken-lightbulb-wielding assailant in Hydesville and the closure of a chunk of Mendocino County’s Jackson State Forest in response to the ongoing police action to try to bring Jere Melo’s suspected murderer to justice.

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From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 08-30-2011, approximately 9:00 a.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was notified by staff at South Fork High School, Miranda that a pipe bomb was blown up at the school the night before. Deputies responded to the school and met with staff. Deputies were told that a janitor heard a large explosion on the school field on 08-29-2011, around 9:00 p.m. After learning of the explosion this morning, school officials notified law enforcement immediately. The school was checked for other destructive devices and none were located.

School officials told the deputies they also learned a neighbor near the school had heard a large explosion on Sunday night, 08-28-2011.

The deputies checked the area near the press box in the High School Football field and found several pieces of PVC pipe, along with indentations in the ground, consistent with large explosions.

A deputy with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad responded and is assisting with the investigation.

Anyone with information on this crime is requested to contact the Humboldt County Sheriffs Office at 707-445-7251.

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From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 08-29-2011, approximately 4:45 p.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a Hydesville resident reporting a man with a knife had entered her home. While enroute to the scene deputies were told the suspect also had a firearm.

When deputies arrived in the area of D street in Hydesville, they located a male on the roadway matching the suspect’s description. The male had a broken fluorescent three-foot long light bulb and screwdriver in his hand, and an empty holster on his hip. They detained the suspect who showed obvious signs of intoxication. Deputies met with the victim who told them she was at home with her son when the suspect came into her residence shouting profanity, with a knife in a sheath on his hip. The suspect threatened to kill her dog and the victim. She told the suspect to leave her home as she dialed 911 and fled from her residence. As she fled her home the male suspect followed her outside her residence and began waving the knife while still shouting. He then drew a handgun from his waist and began waiving the handgun around. The suspect then obtained a fluorescent light bulb and broke it over his head. A neighbor’s husband spoke with the suspect prior to law enforcements arrival and was able to calm the suspect down. 

Deputies arrested the suspect who was later identified as Bryan Balcom, 50 years of Hydesville. Deputies also located a semi automatic handgun. He was arrested for brandishing a firearm, terrorist threats, burglary and public intoxication. He was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where his bail is set at $50,000.00.

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From the Eureka Police Department:

On 8/30/11, at about 1:55 PM, Eureka Police Department (EPD) Officers were dispatched to the vicinity of Hodgson and ‘O’ Streets on the report of an armed robbery that had just occurred. Upon officers’ arrival, the visibly shaken male victim recounted the following to them.

The victim stated he was parked in his pick-up truck waiting for his wife approximately a block and a half from Sequoia Park when he was approached by the unknown male suspect. The suspect asked for a ride. He then produced a stainless steel handgun and took the victim’s wallet from him at gunpoint. The suspect then fled on foot and the victim followed him. The victim last saw the suspect entering Sequoia Park at the trailhead near Hodgson and ‘O’ Streets.

The suspect was described as a white male adult, mid to late twenties, approximately 6-3, 200 pounds, with wispy reddish colored facial hair. He was last seen wearing a black zippered hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and a black beanie cap.

Assisted by State Parole agents and Highway Patrol officers, EPD officers quickly set up a perimeter around the park. Due to their availability, a K-9 team from the Arcata Police Department responded to assist with a search for the suspect. A team of officers accompanied by the K-9 unit then entered the park and conducted an unsuccessful search for the suspect.

The suspect was not located and he remains unidentified and outstanding as of the time of this release. Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to call the Eureka Police Department (707-441-4060). Please direct your inquiries/information to the lead investigator, Senior Detective Ron Harpham, at 707-441-4305.

Detective Harpham is also looking to speak with a female witness who was driving a small minivan. The witness reportedly saw the victim flee from his vehicle near Bryant and ‘N’ Streets.  

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From the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection:

Willits – CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit Chief Christopher P. Rowney has announced the closure of the Jackson Demonstration State Forest at Camp One campgrounds as well as the permitted public firewood area as of August 30, 2011. The campground and firewood cutting area closures are due to ongoing law enforcement activities and to ensure public safety as an armed and dangerous male suspect is being sought in the area. Additionally, the public is urged to keep out of the entire Jackson Demonstration State Forest area north of Highway 20 until further notice. CAL FIRE continues to assist the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office with their search. For the latest on the search and suspect information contact the Sheriff’s Office.

If anyone has any questions about Jackson Demonstration State Forest, please call (707) 964-5674.