Eureka Police Department press release:

On 12-13-2018, the City of Eureka’s Parks/Waterfront Ranger Dennis Gagnon was released from training status and took his position with our Community Safety Enhancement Team (CSET). The Parks/Waterfront Ranger is a Measure Z (soon to be Measure O) funded position and has responsibility for enforcement and patrolling of the City of Eureka’s parks, trails, and waterfront areas.

City of Eureka’s Parks/Waterfront Ranger Dennis Gagnon. | Photos provided by EPD

The following is statistical information regarding the Parks/Waterfront Ranger’s activity during the short time since his release:

Four (4) Fresh Felony Arrests Five (5) Fresh Misdemeanor Arrests

Two (2) Misdemeanor Warrant Arrests

Four (4) Citations Issued

64.49 grams of Methamphetamine Seized

9.03 grams of Heroin Seized

The below are two significant cases of note.

On 12-21-2018 at about 1:52 p.m., the Parks/Waterfront Ranger was conducting patrol checks in the area of the foot of Hilfiker Street in response to on-going reports of criminal activity. 

Richard Leroy Wilks.

While on scene, Richard Leroy Wilks II (40 years old) was contacted. Wilks was determined to be on probation with a search clause. During a search of Wilks’ person, 9 baggies of suspected methamphetamine, a digital scale and currency was located. In total, 5.46 grams of suspected methamphetamine was located.

Wilks was taken into custody and was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF) on charges of possession of a controlled substance for sales and probation violation.

On 12-29-2018 at about 1:36 p.m., the Parks/Waterfront Ranger and a patrol officer responded to the 1600 block of Koster Street for the report of drug sale activity. 

Felipe De Jesus Silva.

Upon arrival, officers contacted Felipe De Jesus Silva (20 years old) and another male sitting inside a vehicle parked at this location.  During the investigation, officers observed suspected heroin in plain view inside the vehicle. The occupants were detained.

As a result of the investigation, additional bagged suspected heroin, currency, a digital scale and packaging was subsequently located inside the vehicle. In total, 59.03 grams (2.07 ounces) of suspected methamphetamine and 9.03 grams of suspected heroin was confiscated.

Silva was taken into custody and was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF) on charges of possession of a controlled substance(s) for sale.