Eureka Police Department press release:

 

On 12-18-2018 at about 4:19 am, officers of the Eureka Police Department (EPD) responded to an apartment complex at the 1300 block of 6th Street for a subject reportedly running on the steps of the property with a device discharging an open flame. Officers responded, but no smoke or flames were located coming from the building or surrounding area. Officers began checking the vicinity for the subject.

At about 4:34 am, officers located Jeremy Notman (42 years old) in the alleyway at the 900 block of 4th Street. Notman displayed objective signs of being under the influence and was soon taken into custody. Notman was also found to be in possession of a portion of a device, which was consistent with the item described as discharging flames in the prior fire call.

At about 6:04 am, a resident of the apartment complex phoned to report smoke coming from the laundry room of the facility. Humboldt Bay Fire Department (HBFD) personnel responded and ultimately extinguished the fire. It appeared the fire had possibly been smoldering in the wall since the original 4:19 am call.

Detectives were called to the scene and witness statements, video footage, and evidence items were located and collected. As a result of the preliminary investigation, enough probable cause was developed to book Notman on an additional charge of arson. Notman is being held on $75,000 bail.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is urged to call Senior Detective Ron Harpham at 707-441-4305.