From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 03-17-2015 at about 9:00 a.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a telephone call from a concerned citizen about a male subject named, Michael Podesta. The citizen stated Podesta was currently walking in the 5000 block of Vance Street, Eureka. The citizen stated they believed Podesdta may be concealing an assault rifle in a duffle bag he was carrying.

Deputies were immediately dispatched to the area and located Podesta walking on Vance Street carrying a duffle bag. Deputies received information through their communications center that Podesdta was on probation with a search and seizure clause. Deputies detained Podesta and searched the duffle bag. Deputies located a loaded SKS assault rifle, caliber 7.62 in the duffle bag. Deputies learned through their communications center that the rifle was reported stolen through the Eureka Police Department. Deputies also located a knife in the duffle bag that was reported stolen from the same victim.

Michael David Podesta age 40 was placed under arrest for possession of an assault rifle, possession of stolen property, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and for violation of probation. Podesta was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and his bail was set at $50,000 dollars.

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.