Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On October 14th, 2022, at about 10:00 PM, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a possible juvenile sexual assault in a wooded area near McKinleyville High School. Deputies responded to investigate and learned the incident had occurred several hours prior to the report. The Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Division was called to assist in the investigation.      

The alleged suspect was described as a Hispanic or Native American male who appeared to be in his thirties. He was approximately 5’9” – 5’10” in height and had a physically fit build. He had dark wavy shoulder length hair and a full beard, and was wearing a camouflage jacket, black sweatpants, and white shoes. He was also wearing a purple bracelet and carrying a blue hiking style backpack.

Deputies have been and are continuing to conduct patrol checks of the area but have been unable to locate the suspect. The Sheriff’s Office has been in contact with officials from the McKinleyville High School and notified them of the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing and as further information is developed it will be released to the public.

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.