Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release: 

On Thursday, March 17, 2016 at about 8:17 p.m., a Humboldt County Deputy Sheriff observed two dark colored sedans pass her location at a high rate of speed on Redwood Dr. in Garberville. The deputy followed the vehicles onto northbound Highway 101. The deputy initiated a traffic stop on one of the vehicles, a black 2013 Nissan Altima, CA license plate 7PXM363. The vehicle exited the freeway at Dean Creek Rd. The deputy approached the vehicle and recognized the driver to be 29 year old Michael Hoyt Russell, one of Southern Humboldt Most Wanted. Russell’s vehicle suddenly accelerated and got back onto northbound HWY 101.

The deputy pursued Russell and lost sight of his vehicle at Sylvandale. The vehicle was later located unoccupied in the parking lot of the Phillipsville Volunteer Fire Department. Deputies did not locate Russell after searching the area.

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.