From the Eureka Police Department:

On August 5, 2014, at about 11:27 PM, a Eureka Police Department officer on patrol spotted a silver 1988 Volvo 740 sedan travelling eastbound on West Harris near Pine Street. The officer recognized the Volvo, which was occupied by two males, as a vehicle which had been reported stolen to Humboldt area CHP on August 3rd. A high risk traffic stop was conducted on Pine Street at Highland Avenue and the occupants were detained at gunpoint.

The driver, Ronald Allen Crossland (age 48 of Arcata), was subsequently arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked for possession of stolen property, DUI, driving with a suspended license, and probation violation. His bail was set at $25,000.00. Crossland’s passenger was released at the scene after it was determined he had no involvement in the vehicle’s theft.

The Volvo was released to its owner at the scene. The owner told officers a relative had been borrowing her vehicle when it was stolen near Pump Station Four off West End Road in Arcata. It had been left unattended with its keys in its ignition at the time.

Auto Theft Prevention Tips:

  • Never leave your keys in the ignition or the vehicle running while unattended…even for a moment (such as when using an ATM).
  • Do not hide extra keys in or on your vehicle. Store spare keys elsewhere such as in your wallet or purse.
  • Always lock your vehicle and close all windows and the sunroof.
  • Do not leave valuables in plain view. Keep them out of sight or better yet, secure them in the trunk. (Thieves look for targets of opportunity).
  • Remove portable electronic devices such as GPS navigation systems and detachable faceplates to car stereos.
  • Do not leave personal identification, financial documents, or the vehicle title in your car. Keep the insurance and registration cards with you.
  • Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas when possible.
  • Parking in your driveway or garage is generally safer than parking on the street.
  • Install motion lights and keep shrubbery trimmed back to help safeguard residential parking areas. (Thieves like to use the cover of darkness).
  • If your vehicle is equipped with an audible alarm system or other anti-theft device, use it consistently.
  • Consider installing a mechanical anti-theft device such as a steering wheel, gearshift, tire, or brake pedal lock.