Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release: 

On Thursday November 2nd at approximately 6:40 am Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Ray’s Supermarket in Mckinleyville to a report of employees being assaulted by two male shoplifters who were attempting to steal beer. When employees confronted the suspects the employees were physically attacked by the suspects. The suspects stopped the attack and fled on foot when they heard the sirens of the approaching deputies.

Deputies checked the the area and soon located two subjects matching the suspects descriptions near School Road and Bugenig Ave. in Mckinleyville. One of the suspects refused the commands of the deputies and became combative. The combative suspect was Tased with little or no effect. Deputies engaged in a lengthy physical struggle with the suspect. The deputies who were eventually able to overcome the suspect and place him in handcuffs. CHP officers and Arcata Police responded to assist.

Both suspects were 17 year old juveniles. Their names are being withheld due to their age. The combative juvenile was arrested for robbery, resisting arrest, and battery on a peace officer. The non- combative juvenile was arrested for robbery. The combative juvenile received minor abrasions and was treated at Mad River Hospital. Both Juveniles were transported and booked into Juvenile Hall. One deputy received minor injuries and was treated at Mad River Hospital and released. The employees who were assaulted received minor abrasions.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445- 7251 or the Crime Tip Line at 707-268- 2539.