Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Jason Balke | Booking photo

On 11/30/2023, at about 10:00 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 1900 block of Sutter Road in McKinleyville for the report of male subject brandishing a knife.

Deputies arrived on scene and located a male subject who they identified as 43-year-old Jason Balke. Balke was walking in the middle of Sutter Road and removed a large fixed-blade knife from his jacket.

Balke brandished the knife towards the deputies in a threatening manner as they approached. Deputies commanded Balke to drop the knife but he refused to do so. Balke then fled from deputies on foot.

Deputies pursued Balke onto Central Avenue. Balke continued running while armed with the knife and deputies attempted to keep him from busy public areas. Balke began running towards Safeway on Central Avenue.

For the safety of the public, deputies requested Safeway be locked down. Deputies then deployed a less lethal shotgun to induce Balke to drop the knife. Deputies fired less lethal bean bag rounds at Balke striking him.

Balke still refused to drop the knife and continued running towards Safeway. Deputies then utilized a Taser device which effectively subdued Balke. Deputies were able to detain Balke in handcuffs without further incident.

Balke sustained minor injuries, and he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Balke was then booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for felony resisting arrest (PC 69(A)), brandishing (PC 417(A)(1)), criminal threats (PC 422(A)), and probation violation (PC 1203.2(A).  

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the California Highway Patrol and California State Parks for their assistance with this 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.