UPDATE, FRIDAY, AUGUST 28: From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 08-24-2015, the Sheriff Office requested the public’s assistance in identifying a person of interest in this case.

The Sheriff’s Office has since identified the person of interest, and would like to thank the public for its assistance in this matter.

This case is still under investigation.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

###

PREVIOUSLY

• River Complex Wildland Firefighters Help Contain Early Morning Structure Fire in Willow Creek

From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 08-17-2015 at 8:50 a.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff Office Deputies responded to the report of an Arson fire and Burglary at two businesses in Willow Creek. The two businesses were River Song Natural Foods and the Golden Ratio. The Golden Ratio is a gem store, which sells handmade jewelry, clothing and other items.

On 08-17-2015 at 5:00 a.m. an alarm went off at the Golden Ratio, regarding a possible break-in no law enforcement units were currently on duty in the Willow Creek area. At approximately 5:07 a.m. it was reported there was a structure fire now occurring at the Golden Ratio. The Willow Creek Fire Department responded to the scene. We they arrived they noticed that both the River Song Natural Foods and the Golden Ratio were engulfed in fire.

The Willow Creek Fire Department was able to gain assistance from several Bay area Fire Department personnel and their equipment, which were staying at Camp Kimtu, because of the wildland fires. With their assistance they were able to gain control of the structure fires. Once the fire was under control it was determined the fire was caused by arson. Fire Investigators with the Humboldt Bay Fire Department then responded to the scene.

It was later determined by law enforcement and arson investigators that a break-in occurred at the stores and items were stolen, before the arson occurred.

This case remains under investigation by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and the Arson Task Force. Time it is unknown the exact amount of items that were stolen from the business, prior to the arson fire.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office through their investigation has located a photo of a possible person of interest in this incident. The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying the male subject in the photo.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.