Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 10/21/2023, at about 9:01 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were patrolling the area of Walnut Drive in Eureka when they observed a vehicle driving without a license plate.

Coons

As the deputy turned around to perform a traffic stop on the vehicle, he observed the driver and passenger switch seats. The deputy stopped the vehicle and contacted the two occupants who were identified as 29-year-old Ryan Coons, and 23-year-old Felicia Garza. The deputy noticed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle and both Coons and Garza were detained in handcuffs. Upon further investigation, it was discovered Coons had an outstanding felony warrant and Garza’s driver’s license was suspended. Deputies performed a search of the vehicle and located additional drug paraphernalia, cash, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Both Coons and Garza were arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.

During the booking process at the correctional facility, Humboldt County correctional deputies discovered additional fentanyl and methamphetamine concealed on Coons’ person. The amount discovered was over 26 grams of fentanyl and over 3 grams of methamphetamine.

Garza

Due to the controlled substance charges and drug concealment, Humboldt County correctional deputies utilized the facility’s body scanner to check for further illicit substances. Coons was found to be in possession of contraband inside his person. Coons was asked to surrender the controlled substance which he refused. Coons was subsequently placed in a holding cell for further observation. While in observation, Coons suffered a medical emergency, and he was transported to an off-site medical facility for treatment. While at the medical facility a search warrant was obtained, and correctional deputies recovered an additional 318 grams of suspected fentanyl from Coons.

Coons and Garza were charged with possession of a controlled substance (H&S 11350(A)), possession for sales (H&S 11351), transportation of a controlled substance (H&S 11379(A)), conspiracy (PC 182(A)(1)), and possession of drug paraphernalia (H&S 11364(A)). Coons was also charged with possession of a controlled substance inside a correctional facility, (PC 4573.6) and concealing evidence (PC 135).

The involved correctional deputies are commended for their diligence and ultimate removal of a dangerous drug from the HCCF. The deputies’ actions potentially saved several lives, including Mr. Coons.

Not only is smuggling substances into the correctional facility a crime, but it is also incredibly dangerous. it can and has led to death. The Humboldt County Correctional Facility regularly utilizes a body scanner, in addition to other methods, to detect and mitigate illegal substances from entering the correctional facility.    

This case is still under investigation.

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.