On Wednesday, February 16th 2022, the Fortuna Police Department responded to the 800 block of Main
Street to investigate reported drug activity. Fortuna Police Officers subsequently located a parked vehicle
which was reported to be involved and was found to be occupied by 32 year old, Jerrica Hughes of Rio Dell
and 32 year old, Aaron Arlotta of Eureka.
Arlotta was found to be on active parole and also had an active felony warrant for his arrest. Arlotta was also
determined to be on active probation for weapons violations and domestic violence. When an arrest was
attempted, Arlotta violently resisted arrest by physically fighting the involved officers and then fled a short
distance on foot where he was caught, and again, he fought officers who were attempting to make the arrest.
Arlotta unsuccessfully attempted to remove a Fortuna Police Officer’s firearm during the struggle and was
ultimately apprehended and taken into custody.
Evidence seized by Fortuna PD | FPD
During a search of Arlotta’s property incident to arrest, over 13 grams of Fentanyl was seized along with a
small amount of methamphetamine. As a result of the investigation, officer’s determined that the Fentanyl
was possessed for the purpose of sales. The Fortuna Police are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend
anyone poisoning our community with the dangerous drug Fentanyl, and ask that anyone with any
information contact the Fortuna Police Department.
Aaron Arlotta was booked into jail for suspected violations of sections: 11351 HS-Possession of Narcotics
for Sale, 11377(a) HS-Possession of Methamphetamine, 69 PC-Preventing an officer from performing his
duty using violence, 148(a)1 PC-Resisting arrest, 1203.2 PC- Violation of Probation, and the outstanding
Felony Warrant. Additional charges will be filed with the Humboldt County District Attorney.
The Fortuna Police Department remains committed to public safety and transparency. Any questions
regarding this incident can be directed to the Chief of Police, Casey J. Day at (707)-725-7550.
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