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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

A $10,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for opening fire on a Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy on April 13, 2020.

On Thursday, April 16, the National Police Association announced a $5,000 reward regarding the case. Following that announcement, the Fortuna Police Employee’s Association voted to donate an additional $1,000. The Humboldt Deputy Sheriff’s Organization has also pledged to donate $4,000 toward the fund, bringing the total reward to $10,000. The first person that provides the information that leads to the arrest and conviction of these suspects will receive the $10,000.

On April 13, a Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy on patrol in the area of Highway 36 and Demello Road observed a motorcycle seemingly disabled near the side of the road. As the deputy approached in the patrol vehicle to investigate further, the passenger of the motorcycle shot at the deputy, striking the patrol vehicle’s windshield. The motorcycle then fled eastbound on Highway 36 at a high rate of speed.

The deputy sustained minor injuries as a result of the bullets hitting the windshield. The deputy was treated for those injuries and released from a local hospital.

Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal is asking for the public’s help to identify the suspects of this incident. The Sheriff’s Office is currently following up on several leads regarding the identity of these suspects.

“I know in this small community people do talk,” Sheriff Honsal said. “I am urging anyone with information to call law enforcement so we can get these violent suspects into custody.”

The motorcycle is described as a black motorcycle with no license plate. The passenger of the motorcycle is described as wearing a dark helmet and a red jacket. No further descriptive information is available about the passenger, driver or motorcycle.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.