Eureka Sidewalk Sleeper Stabs Attackers in Self Defense; One Arrested, One Cited, Says EPD
Bickerstaff, Minasian | EPD
Eureka Police Department press release:
On March 11, 2018, at about 8:00 a.m., the Eureka Police Department Communications
Center began receiving calls regarding a male and female with stab wounds and a robbery
that had occurred. Based on the investigation, it appears the incident occurred as follows.
36-year-old Jessica Minasian and 42-year-old Brian Bickerstaff confronted a male
sleeping on the sidewalk on the 300 block of F Street. Minasian and Bickerstaff yelled at
the man to leave and began assaulting him. Bickerstaff assaulted the male with blunt
weapons. The male took out a knife, in an effort to stop the assault. The male ultimately
stabbed Minasian and was able to flee. He was soon able to obtain police assistance.
Minasian and Bickerstaff took items belonging to the male and also left the scene.
Minasian ran to Humboldt Bay Fire Station at the 500 block of C Street for medical
assistance. She was transported to the hospital by ambulance with a significant but non-life threatening injury. Bickerstaff was located at the intersection of 4th and F Streets and
had a small laceration on his chin.
Both Bickerstaff and Minasian were transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
Due to the care required for Minasian’s injuries, she was cited and released to the hospital
staff.
Bickerstaff was arrested for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.
Bickerstaff was
transported and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. Bickerstaff is
being held on $50,000 bail.