Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 02-02-2012, approximately 11:10 p.m. the Humboldt County Sheriffs Office was notified of a 42 year old male assault victim at the Renner Fuel Station in Fernbridge. A deputy and emergency service personnel responded to the scene, and met with the victim who was bleeding from the head and face, and had a swollen left eye. The victim told the deputy that he was gambling at Bear River Casino and had won some cash earlier in the evening. The victim decided to leave the casino at 10:50 p.m. and called a friend named “Brodie”, unknown last name for a ride. When “Brodie” arrived he got into a grey 1980s Toyota Celica. “Brodie” had an unknown Blond female in the car with him. The victim requested to be driven to Fortuna, however ” Brodie ” drove him to Fernbridge and told him to get out of the car. After the victim exited the car “Brodie” drove off, leaving the victim behind. A short time later an unknown male and two females contacted him and forced him to walk under Fernbridge. Once under the bridge, the male started striking the victim with a bat while the females kicked him repeatedly.

After assaulting the victim they stole his wallet with the cash and his cell phone. The suspects threatened to shoot the victim if he got up. No firearm was displayed by the suspects. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for his injuries. Due to the darkness the victim told deputy he could not describe his attackers.

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

Mike Downey
Sheriff