Eureka Police Department press release: 

On April 15, 2022, at about 1:15 a.m., officers with the Eureka Police Department responded to a motel on the 1600 block of 4th Street for the report of shots heard. The caller reported seeing several people fleeing from the parking lot after what sounded like a gunshot.

On scene, officers located a spent shell casing and one unfired round on the ground. Several people contacted were uncooperative and denied any knowledge of a shooting. Video surveillance was reviewed and it was determined that a heated altercation had taken place.

During the altercation, a male suspect retrieved a firearm from a vehicle and fired a single shot toward an additional male. All parties then immediately fled the area. Based on the surveillance and statements made, it was determined that no victims were struck or injured.

Officers were able to obtain a detailed suspect and vehicle description from the surveillance and issued a BOLO. With assistance from Arcata Police Department, the involved vehicle was located at a Motel in Arcata.

On April 16th, Eureka Police Officers responded to the motel in Arcata with a signed search warrant. The male suspect associated with the vehicle and shooting was contacted and identified as 44-year-old Rashad Blanchard of Los Angeles. 41-year-old Sharon Grim of Los Angeles was also contacted.

Officers executed search warrants on both the associated motel room and vehicle. During the search, officers located 3 pounds of methamphetamine, packaging material, digital scales, and 10 pounds of marijuana.

Blanchard was arrested for possession of controlled substances for sales and parole violation. Grim was arrested for possession of controlled substances for sales. Both were transported and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.

The shooting incident is still an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Eureka Police Department, regarding case 22-001667.