Eureka Police Department press release: 

On 8/17/2015, at about 12:28 AM, Eureka Police Department officers responded to the report of a subject bleeding from the head in front of a bar on the 200 block of Third Street, Eureka.  Upon locating the 60-year-old male victim, officers discovered he had sustained injuries to his hands and fingers and significant burns to his face, neck, and head.

During their investigation, officers also contacted another male, Gary Lee Ross (age 24 of Eureka), who initially claimed to be a witness.  However, due to inconsistencies in Ross’ ever-changing story, he was eventually identified as the suspect in this assault.

Ross confessed to being the one who attacked and burned the victim.  Ross told officers that during an argument about cigarettes, he injured (dislocated) the victim’s fingers and repeatedly set fire to his face and head (the victim’s hair and beard were burned away in large patches) over an approximately 20-30 minute period.  This reportedly occurred at foot of ’C’ Street near the boardwalk.  

Ross was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked for assault with a deadly weapon (245(a)(1) PC) and torture (206 PC).  As of the time of this release, Ross remains in custody with his bail set at one million dollars.

The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.