Eureka Police Department release: 

On September 15, 2023 at approximately 5:42 a.m., Officers with the Eureka Police Department were dispatched to the 500 block of N Street on a report of an active assault occurring in the street. Officers arrived on scene and located the victim who was suffering from significant head injuries, what appeared to be a broken arm, and the end of one finger had been bitten off. Officers immediately summoned medical aid to the scene.

Officers also located the suspect nearby who appeared to have a dislocated shoulder. Both individuals were transported to St. Joseph Hospital for treatment. The victim’s injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

EPD Detectives and Evidence Technicians responded to the scene and to the hospital to process the evidence. Upon completion of their initial investigation it was determined the suspect, Luigi Rocco Messina (29 years old/Transient), had a prior disagreement with the victim, left the victim’s location and then returned with a large piece of a Redwood limb and assaulted the victim with the intention of killing him. Messina and the victim are acquaintances.

Messina was arrested and booked at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for Attempted Homicide, Mayhem, and Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury. Messina is currently being held without bail.