Humboldt County Sheriff’s Press Release:

On 05-12-2012, approximately 2:30 p.m. the Humboldt County Sheriffs Office received a call from a citizen advising they just witnessed a vehicle broken into in the area of Ma’Lel Dunes, Manila. The citizen who wished to remain anonymous, was able to provide a description of the vehicle to responding deputies. The suspect vehicle was described as a, “Reddish/Pink” Dodge Neon with two white males in the vehicle.

A responding deputy saw a vehicle matching that description pass him on the Samoa Bridge near Woodley Island exit, Eureka. The deputy turned around on the vehicle, but lost sight of it near 4th and R Street, Eureka. The deputy searched the vicinity and saw the vehicle parked at gas station at 4 th and R Street. When the deputy approached the vehicle, the passenger exited the car and took off running. The deputy gave chase and caught the passenger who was identified as Arlen Troy Brown, 28 years old from Eureka.

Brown had an outstanding no bail felony warrant for probation violation. Brown was taken into custody on that warrant. Deputies located a stolen credit card in Browns pocket. Deputies searched the Neon and located several backpacks, camping gear, a cell phone, and an ice chest. Deputies were able to locate the vehicle the items were stolen from at the beach and its owner, who identified the stolen property. Deputies located at least one other vehicle that was broken into at the same location. The suspects broke into the vehicles by smashing the windows.

Deputies arrested Brown for burglary, possession of stolen property, probation violations and resisting arrest, besides the warrant. The driver of the Neon was identified as Jedediah Charles Hiller, 32 years old from McKinleyville. He was arrested for burglary and possession of stolen property. Both Brown and Hiller were booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. Brown is being held without bail, Hiller’s bail was set at $50,000.00.

Citizens are reminded to always lock their vehicles and not leave valuables in plain sight or in their vehicle when visiting local recreational areas such as beaches and trail heads.

Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriffs Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriffs Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539. Humboldt County Drug Task Force can be reached at 707-444-8095. If you live in the City Limits of Eureka the Eureka Police Problem Oriented Policing Unit can be reached at 707-441-4373.