Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On August 8, 2022, at about 10:14 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 3800 block of Little Fairfield Street, in the county’s jurisdiction of Eureka, for the report of an assault.

Deputies arrived in the area and located a 74-year-old male victim with serious injuries. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. While investigating this incident, deputies received information regarding three additional assaults involving a suspect with a similar description occurring between the incident location and the 600 block of West Harris Street. During one of these assaults, the suspect reportedly physically attacked a patron of a nearby business, then fled with the victim’s groceries. All four of these assaults are believed to have been unprovoked instances of violence.

Deputies searched the surrounding areas and located the suspect, 24-year-old Dylan James Roberts, walking in the area of Burrill and Hiller Streets. Roberts was taken into custody without incident.

Roberts was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of robbery (PC 211), assault (PC 240) and battery (PC 242).

Later that day, while in custody at the Correctional Facility, Roberts physically attacked a cell mate and vandalized a cell. He was booked on additional charges of assault (PC 240), battery (PC 242) and damage to a jail (PC 4600).

This case is still under investigation and additional charges may be requested as this investigation progresses. If you witnessed or were a victim of any of these assaults, please contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251, reference case number 202204073.