PREVIOUSLY: Shooting on Indian Island; Man Shot in Abdomen at Private Residence 

Near the scene of this afternoon’s shooting on Indian Island. Photo: EPD.

From the Eureka Police Department:

On 6/28/15, at approximately 12:29 PM, officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to a reported shooting on Indian Island. Officers were ferried to the island, which is accessible only by boat, by fishermen who offered their assistance. 

Upon arrival, officers found a male adult with gunshot wounds to his torso. The male was located not far from the shoreline. Based on preliminary information obtained during the ensuing investigation, it appears the shooting occurred after a resident arrived home and encountered the male trespassing on an adjacent property. When the homeowner told the male to leave the island, the male reportedly refused and stood up with a machete in his hand. The male raised the machete and advanced toward the homeowner while threatening him. The homeowner, who was armed with a handgun, then fired at the suspect striking him twice.

The homeowner administered first aid to the male while waiting for the arrival of emergency personnel. The male, who was conscious and alert at the time, was transported by a second boat to the mainland and then taken to a local hospital for treatment.

EPD has no updates to give on the male’s condition as of the time of this release and no arrests have been made. As of about 5:00 PM, EPD detectives were still on scene wrapping up their investigation and processing of the scene.

EPD would also like to extend a thank you to Captain Leroy Zerlang and his crew for their invaluable assistance in transporting personnel to and from the island.