Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On March 12, 2021, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) conducted a special operation at a residence on the 2800 block of Lucas Avenue, in the county’s jurisdiction of Eureka, to investigate illegal cannabis sales. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Special Services Division and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife assisted in this operation.

While conducting their investigation, deputies located 35-year-old Kou Her in possession of cannabis packaged for sale. Her was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of possession of cannabis for sales (HS 11359(b)), manufacture of a controlled substance (HS 11379.6(a)), knowingly permitting manufacture/storage/distribution of a controlled substance at a residence (HS 11366.5(a)) and conspiracy to commit a crime (PC 182(a)(1)).

During the investigation, deputies also attempted to contact a male subject parked nearby the residence and believed to be associated with Her. As deputies approached the vehicle, the man began to back the vehicle up in an attempt to flee. While backing up his vehicle, the man struck a Sheriff’s deputy with the vehicle, causing minor injury. The vehicle then accelerated forward, striking a parked vehicle as it fled the scene.

At about 4:30 p.m. that afternoon, Sheriff’s deputies received information that the male suspect had been observed discarding a backpack from the vehicle on Myrtle Avenue near Mitchell Road. Deputies recovered the backpack and located two firearms and two loaded magazines.

Through their investigation, deputies identified the male suspect as 25-year-old William Orsina Mattingly of Fieldbrook. Deputies have requested a warrant be issued from Mattingly’s arrest as a result of his assault on a deputy and being a felon in possession of firearms.  

Mattingly is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall, 220 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen driving a black 2012 Chrysler 300, California License Plate Number 6VHE579. The vehicle is believed to have a damaged front fender.

Anyone with information about Mattingly’s whereabouts or additional information about this case 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.

William Orsina Mattingly | ARCHIVE HCCF 2019

 Kou Her Booking Photo | HCCF 2021