EPD Arrests Man Suspected of 2017 Bayshore Mall Parking Lot Carjacking
EPD
Eureka Police Department press release:
Brett Hansen
The Eureka Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Section has arrested 30 year old
Brett Hansen for the armed robbery and carjacking that occurred on September 17, 2017
in the parking lot of the Bayshore Mall. Hansen was arrested by Fortuna Police on
February 14, 2018 and has been in custody since on additional felony charges.
On Sunday, 09/17/2017, at 6:50 p.m. officers with the Eureka Police Department stopped
a suspected DUI vehicle. The vehicle yielded in the southern parking lot of the Bayshore
Mall. A male passenger fled from the stopped vehicle.
The passenger fled through the mall and exited to the rear of the mall. Once behind the
mall, the male brandished a firearm at a woman and stole her bicycle. He rode the bicycle
through the parking lot area where he abandoned the bicycle and with gun in hand
carjacked a woman of her silver Ford Focus sedan. The woman was unhurt. The vehicle
was located on Monday, 9/18/2017 on the Hammond Trail in McKinleyville. It is being
processed for evidence at this time.
The driver of the stopped vehicle, identified as John Anthony Vella, 44, of Eureka, was
detained at gunpoint. The vehicle was searched and two loaded firearms (a 9mm semi-
auto pistol and 44 magnum revolver) were located along with ammunition. Vella, who is
a convicted felon and currently on parole, was arrested for multiple gun violations and a
parole hold was authorized.
The outstanding suspect should be considered armed and dangerous. No attempts should
be made to contact him. If you see the suspect call 911 or the Eureka Police Department
at 707 441-4044.
Anyone with information on the identification of the suspect is asked to contact Det. Ron
Harpham at 707 441-4305.
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