From the Eureka Police Department:

On 05-17-15, at about 3:20 PM, Eureka Police Department Officers responded to the vicinity of Bayshore Way to contact the alleged victim of a robbery with a firearm that reportedly occurred behind the Bayshore Mall. Upon officers’ arrival, they contacted the reporting party (R/P) and through further investigation learned a robbery did not occur. 

The R/P stated a friend saw Brian Ryan Mello (DOB: 10-10-77) in possession of the R/P’s dog that had been stolen from their encampment behind the Bayshore Mall. The R/P also stated he saw Mello in possession of a handgun approximately four days prior to this date. EPD officers were unable to locate Mello and they cleared the scene.

On 05-17-15, at about 4:39 PM, an EPD Officer saw Mello walking the described stolen dog southbound in the 1900 block of Broadway. The Officer contacted Mello and he was detained in handcuffs. Mello was searched incident to his searchable probation status and he was found to be in possession of ammunition. A loaded .380 caliber handgun was also found next to the building where Mello was contacted. Mello stated he was in possession of the firearm for his safety. Mello is a convicted felon and he is prevented from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition. 

Mello was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for booking. The dog was returned to its owner.