Humboldt Co. Sheriff’s Office Press Release:

On 1-28-2014, approximately 5:00 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 transfer from the California Highway Patrol regarding a road rage incident.

Deputies and Ferndale Police responded and met with the 46 year old male victim in the 1000 block of Coffee Creek Road, Ferndale. The suspect vehicle was gone, however the victim was able to provide a license plate of the suspect vehicle to the investigating deputy.

The victim told the deputy he was driving his semi-truck and trailer northbound on Coffee Creek Road when he saw a yellow 1985 GMC Flat Bed Pickup Truck approaching him. The truck appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed. As the victim’s semi- truck entered onto a narrow area of the roadway, the victim attempted to pull his truck to the far side of the road to avoid a collision. The suspect vehicle meantime went partially off the roadway to also avoid a collision.

The suspect vehicle then immediately turned around and chased down the victim. The suspect vehicle flashed its lights at the victim’s truck. The victim stopped his semi-truck and remained seated in his truck. The suspect then climbed up onto the semi-truck and accused the victim of trying to run him off the road. The suspect then opened the semi-truck door, grabbed the victim and assaulted him several times with his fists; he also slammed the victim’s head in the semi-truck door. The victim attempted to call 911 on his cell phone during the assault, but the suspect grabbed the victim’s cell phone and truck keys and threw them into nearby standing water. The suspect then drove off. The victim flagged down another motorist who called 911 for the victim. Deputies could see the victim had visible injuries to his face and head. The victim declined medical attention.

Deputies assisted by Rio Dell Police drove to the residence where the suspect vehicle was registered to in the 9500 block of Blue Slide Road, Rio Dell. They contacted the resident at that address who was identified as Dennis Joseph Miranda, 46 years old of Rio Dell. Miranda admitted to driving the truck and chasing down the semi-truck, but denied assaulting the victim.

Miranda was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, assault and battery, damaging a communications device and robbery. Miranda was transported and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where his bail was set at $120,000.00

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.