(Above: Johns and Stockhoff)

Eureka Police Department press release: 

On the afternoon of 03/25/16, Eureka Police Department patrol officers and a detective with the Problem Oriented Policing Unit, were conducting follow-up regarding the recent spate of residential burglaries that have been occurring on the east side of the city.  At about 2:22 p.m., the officers conducted a probation search at a motel room on the 2800 block of Broadway where they contacted Michael Tray Johns (age 33) and Michael Sherman Stockhoff (age 25 of Eureka).  

During their search of the room, officers located a semiautomatic AR-15 rifle and ammunition.  The rifle is believed to have been stolen from a residence on the 2400 block of 17th Street earlier this week.  

Both Johns and Stockhoff were arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for being convicted felons in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  Additionally, Stockhoff was arrested for providing a false name to a peace officer and a probation violation hold was placed on Johns.  

Following final confirmation of the rifle’s origin, additional charges of possession of stolen property may be added.