From the California Highway Patrol:

On 4/29/20 at approximately 1916 hours, CHP Units were requested to take over a pursuit from CA State Parks as it continued northbound on US-101 from Avenue of the Giants in the Garberville Area. State Parks had originally stopped the vehicle, a white Ford pickup, for several traffic violations and subsequently determined the vehicle was stolen.

‘Electronic control device’. Photo: U.S. Air Force.

During that initial stop, State Parks Officers utilized an Electronic Control Device (ECD) on the suspect, however he was able to remove the probes and flee the scene. Humboldt Area CHP Units took over the pursuit as it approached Palmer Blvd. in the Fortuna area. A spike strip was successfully deployed near King Salmon, causing damage to both right-side tires of the suspect vehicle.

Spike strip utilized by the Israeli military. Photo: Wikimedia.

The driver exited at Herrick Ave and continued fleeing into the Cutten Area. Humboldt Area CHP Units utilized legal intervention (PIT) to stop the suspect vehicle at Home Dr. and Walnut Dr., damaging a sign and a private fence. The driver refused to exit the vehicle and attempted to drive away as officers approached and opened the passenger side door. The less lethal shotgun with Kinetic Energy Munitions was deployed by CHP and the driver was subsequently taken into custody. A dog in the vehicle was safely removed and taken to the Humboldt County Animal Shelter.

The suspect, identified as 41 year old Wayne Robert Mathern of Minnesota, suffered minor injuries and was medically cleared prior to being booked at the Humboldt County Jail. No other persons were injured during this incident.

The California Highway Patrol is handling the investigation and would to thank CA State Parks, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department and Eureka Police Department for their assistance.