Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On August 17, 2022, at about 10:13 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 1600 block of Ocean Drive in McKinleyville for the report of an assault and firearm brandishing.

Cora. Photos: HCSO.

According to the reporting party, a male suspect, later identified as 40-year-old Ricardo Cora, was outside his residence in a physical altercation with two male victims. The victims sustained minor injuries as a result of this assault. At some point during this incident, Cora reportedly also brandished a bb gun at the victims. Upon deputy arrival, Cora retreated inside his residence and began firing the bb gun at deputy patrol cars. No one was injured as a result of this shooting.

After a short negotiation, Cora peacefully surrendered to deputies and was taken into custody without further incident. During a search of Cora’s residence, deputies discovered multiple assault rifles, a large quantity of cannabis trim and a Butane Honey Oil extraction lab.  The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team was dispatched to assist with the BHO lab investigation.

Cora was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of battery with bodily injury (PC 243(d)), exhibiting a deadly weapon other than a firearm (PC 417(a)(1)) and resisting a peace officer (PC 69). The investigation into the illegal BHO lab is ongoing and the case will be forwarded to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public that California law prohibits openly displaying or exposing any imitation firearm in a public place or exhibiting an imitation firearm in a threatening manner (PC 20170(a), PC 417.4). These laws were enacted to reduce confusion between real and imitation firearms. Displaying or brandishing an imitation firearm in violation of the law is dangerous and could result in a deadly situation.

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.