Court records show Ryder Dale Stapp, arrested Friday night after his truck crashed into a Humboldt Hill home and killed a man in his bed, has previous convictions for speeding and hit-and-run property damage.
A Clerk’s Office spokeswoman said Stapp pleaded no contest to the charges, both filed in 2017.
About 10:20 p.m. Friday, his 25th birthday, Stapp allegedly was driving drunk and speeding down Humboldt Hill Road when his Ford F250 pickup truck left the road, went through a parking lot and struck a home where Robert Beland and Elizabeth Martin lay in bed. Beland, 64, died later at St. Joseph Hospital. The 62-year-old Martin was treated at the hospital for her injuries.
Stapp was released from Humboldt County Jail when he posted $175,000 bail Saturday afternoon, about 12 hours after the fatal crash.
PREVIOUSLY:
- One Dead After Truck Crashes Into Humboldt Hill Home Friday Night
- CHP: 64-Year-Old Humboldt Hill Man Fatally Injured in His Bed During Last Night’s Crash; Suspect Attempted to Flee, Charged With DUI
Beland was the longtime owner of Humboldt Lock and Safe on West Harris Street in Eureka. The store’s website has posted this message: “Humboldt Lock and Safe is now closed indefinitely. Thank you for almost 30 years of your patronage. We’ve loved working with our Humboldt County family. The outpouring of support due to our loss is deeply appreciated.”
According to the California Highway Patrol, Stapp attempted to run away after the collision but was stopped and held by residents until CHP officers arrived.
According to the Clerk’s Office, no new charges have been filed against Stapp. District Attorney Maggie Fleming was unavailable for comment today.