From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 07-28-2016 at 4:10 a.m. Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a home invasion robbery/attempted homicide that occurred in the 1600 block of Tompkins Hill Road, Loleta. When deputies arrived on scene they contacted two male victims, who relayed the following information to them.

The first male victim stated a white male adult, associated with silver, Ford pickup bearing Iowa plates had fired a rifle or shotgun towards him. The suspect vehicle then left the area travelling on Tompkins Hill Road towards Fortuna. The victim further stated he had contacted a suspicious male, who was sitting in pickup parked on Tompkins Hill Road near his residence. When asked why he was in the area the suspect told the victim to mind his own business. The victim persisted at which time the suspect brandished a shotgun and fired it toward him. The victim was not struck by any bullets and immediately retreated to his residence to phone 9-1-1.

While Deputies were checking the neighborhood for witnesses and the possible suspect they contacted a second male victim, who lives in the 1700 block of Tompkins Hill Road. The victim reported that he had been robbed by 3-4 armed male suspects wearing gloves and ski masks. The suspects entered his home through an unlocked back door, brandished firearms and demanded marijuana, his phone, car keys, and any other valuables on scene.

The suspects then put the victim on the ground and restrained him using duct tape. While the suspects were interrogating the victim regarding valuables, one of the suspects fired a pistol at the ground directly next to his head. The victim was not struck by the bullet. The suspects then fled after taking 5 pounds of marijuana the victim’s cell phone and the victim’s car.

Deputies received information through their investigation and located the victim’s vehicle unoccupied with the engine running in the 5000 block of Grizzly Bluff Road, Ferndale at 7:15 a.m. this morning. The area was checked by deputies and no suspects have been identified or apprehended, but the investigation is still underway.

Sheriff Office personnel are currently on scene processing the victim’s vehicle and residence for evidence.           

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.