Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release:

On 08-12-2013, approximately 8:30 p.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a call of shots being fired in the 3700 block of Lauffer Road, New Harris. The reporting person told the dispatcher there was a man shooting a rifle.

When deputies arrived in the area at approximately 9:00 p.m. they met with the reporting party at the entrance to the property where the shots were originating from. While speaking with the citizen the deputies and citizen heard a gunshot and the sound of a bullet flying near them causing all three to seek cover and concealment. While the deputies were radioing dispatch about what occurred they saw a person walking towards them. They illuminated the person with their lights and saw it was a male with a rifle slung over his shoulder and no shirt on. They ordered the man to drop the rifle and he complied with their demands. He was immediately taken into custody.

Deputies spoke with them man who showed signs of intoxication and identified himself as Charles Don Magpie, 38 years old. Magpie told the deputies he was trying to shoot deer to keep them from eating his garden. A records check revealed Magpie was on probation from San Luis Obispo County and was a convicted felon. Magpie was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

The deputies were unable to determine where exactly Magpie lived. Based upon witness statements and evidence at the scene Magpie had fired at least eight rounds prior to the deputy’s arrival from the Marlin 30/30 lever action rifle he was carrying. No one was injured.

Magpie was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where his bail was set at $100,000.00.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s 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.