Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department Press Release:

On 03-26-14, at approximately 9:15 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a call of an assault which just occurred at 48 Panther Road, Willow Creek. The reporting person told Sheriff’s Dispatch the victim of the assault recovering from a recent tracheotomy and was punched in the throat by the suspect. While deputies were responding to the scene, they were told the victim had been picked up by ambulance and was now enroute the hospital code three. While enroute to the hospital the ambulance crew reported the victim stopped breathing several times and lifesaving efforts had to be administered.

Deputies responded to the location of the assault and learned the 28 year old male victim had been punched in the throat by an unknown male suspect. Witnesses told deputies they did not know who the male suspect was nor did they have a description; however the victim told witnesses a male had punched him in the neck. Several witnesses reported hearing an argument shortly before the assault was reported. 

Deputies responded to the hospital and were unable to obtain a statement from the male victim because he was in critical condition. The case is still under investigation. 

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.