Eureka Police Dept. Press Release:

On 3/06/13, at about 9:39 AM, an officer with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) on uniformed patrol saw a male and female walking together on the 200 block of West Grant Street. The officer recognized the female, Heather Irene Fontaine, from numerous prior contacts with her.

The officer stopped to speak with the subjects. As the officer exited his patrol car, the male subject walked behind a nearby parked van in an apparent attempt to conceal contraband from him. The officer heard the sound of an object striking the pavement. When the officer approached the male, later identified as Steven Michael Ridley, he saw a small circular case in a puddle of water on the asphalt beside the van’s rear tire. When asked if he had just dropped something, Ridley replied that he’d just found the item and didn’t know what it was.

While the officer was speaking with Ridley, Fontaine stated she had warrants. Fontaine and Ridley were subsequently detained by officers. A records check confirmed Fontaine had multiple warrants for her arrest. Ridley was on formal probation with search and seizure conditions.

Inside the case Ridley had discarded, officers located 10 ½ grams of crystal methamphetamine. A digital gram scale was also found on top of one of the van’s tires.

During a search of Ridley’s person, officers located a large fixed blade knife which was completely concealed under his clothing.

Ridley (age 27 of Eureka) was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked for possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a concealed dirk or dagger, and probation violation.

Fontaine (age 28 of Eureka) was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where she was booked for approximately 8 warrants (misdemeanor and felony).