Numerous LoCO readers alerted us to a major law enforcement presence at the Dutch Bros. on Fifth Street in Eureka. LoCO reporter Hank Sims hustled to the scene. Our man reports that Eureka Police received a call from employees of the drive-thru coffee joint reporting that a customer was acting erratically.

Also he was (allegedly) wearing no pants. Then he (allegedly) tried to steal their tip jar.

Officers responded to the scene and took the man into custody, but he somehow broke free of his cuffs injuring two officers in the process. A nearby citizen helped re-subdue the suspect and he was ultimately taken to St. Joseph Hospital for clearance due to his perceived level of intoxication.

The suspect’s vehicle — still in the drive-thru, pictured below — was towed. 

UPDATE, 5:23 p.m.: Eureka Police Department press release on the incident:

On 01/29/15 at about 2:15 p.m., Officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to Dutch Brothers on the 400 block of N Street after employees reported that a male, later identified as Dario Padilla (28) of Los Angeles, appeared to be intoxicated in the drive through.  The caller said that Padilla had exited his vehicle, attempted to hit an employee, and was throwing milk crates.

Officers evaluated Padilla for possible DUI and determined that he needed to be transported for a mental health evaluation.  Padilla was detained and officers attempted to get him in the patrol car.  Padilla became combative and was able to slip the handcuffs in front of him.  Padilla continued to fight with officers and ultimately broke free from the handcuffs.  

Additional officers responded, requiring 4-5 officers to restrain Padilla.  Based on Padilla’s extraordinary strength and possible signs of excited delirium, he was transported to the hospital for precautionary reasons.  Two officers sustained minor injuries including a laceration to the face and cuts to arms and hands.  

Once Padilla is medically cleared he will be transported to the Humboldt County Jail and booked for felony assault on a peace officer, felony resisting, and possible additional charges.  This is the third encounter with Padilla in just over a year where he acted with violent resistance towards local law enforcement.  

The Eureka Police Department would like to thank a citizen who rushed to help officers while they were waiting for backup.