Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release:

On 11-10-2015, at approximately 10:30 a.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant was patrolling in the downtown area of Myers Flat.  The Sergeant observed a black BMW that was parked near the intersection of Myers Avenue and Highway 254 (Avenue of the Giants). The Sergeant recognized this vehicle and knew the registered owner is Kevin Michael Maguire (age 24), a local probationer. A short time later, Maguire was seen driving the vehicle N/B on Hwy. 254. The Sergeant positively identified the driver to be Maguire from previous law enforcement contacts.

The Sergeant attempted a traffic enforcement stop on the BMW after observing a traffic violation.  Maguire accelerated his vehicle at a high rate of speed and a vehicle pursuit was initiated.  Maguire continued N/B on Hwy. 254 and crossed over the double yellow lines on several different occasions.  Maguire’s driving was erratic and posed a danger to other motorists/citizens.  For public safety concerns, the Sergeant terminated the vehicle pursuit near the town of Weott.  

The Sergeant was later patrolling near the town of Miranda and again observed the BMW.  The BMW was now traveling S/B on Hwy. 254 through downtown Miranda.  The BMW again fled at a high rate of speed.  Due to previously mentioned public safety concerns, the Sergeant did not pursue the BMW. Within minutes, the Sergeant again located the BMW which was now parked and abandoned near a residence in the 100 block of Gibney Road, Miranda.  Witnesses were contacted and reported that Maguire and a female accomplice were recently seen running through the wooded area at the end of Gibney Road. One of the witnesses, who was not cooperative, Thomas Leonard Lusk Sr. (age 55), was placed under arrest for several outstanding warrants.  

The Sergeant was also able to locate Maguire, and the female accomplice, hiding in the brush not far from where the BMW was located.  

Maguire was subsequently placed under arrest for felony evasion.  Maguire and his vehicle were searched and approximately 1.2 grams of suspected heroin, approximately 1.7 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and approximately 3.8 pounds of marijuana were found to be in Maguire’s possession.

It was determined that Maguire’s female companion was only a passenger in the vehicle and she was released without charges.

Maguire was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF) where he was booked for felony evasion, possession of a controlled substance, transportation of marijuana, driving on a suspended drivers license, and violation of probation.  Maguire’s bail was set at $50,000.  Lusk was also booked into the HCCF for his outstanding warrants.  Lusk’s bail was set at $30,000.    

Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriffs Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Garberville Station at 707-923-2761.