Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office release: 

On Feb. 13, 2022, at about 11:38 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on the 100 block of Wiyot Drive near Loleta for the report of an assault.

Deputies arrived at the residence and located a 39-year-old male victim with moderate injuries. The victim was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

During their investigation, deputies learned that the victim and an adult male suspect were involved in an altercation earlier that evening at a nearby location. The suspect reportedly followed the victim to his home and assaulted him outside the residence with an unknown object. The victim sustained injuries to his head and face during the assault. The suspect reportedly stole a firearm from the victim prior to fleeing the property.

Deputies were unable to locate the suspect in the area. A person of interest has been identified in this case; however, his identity is being withheld pending further investigation. There is no perceived threat to the community at this time.

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.