Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Aug. 12, 2024, at about 10 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a theft report of over $10,000 of equipment from a construction yard in the 1200 block of Hatchery Rd. in Blue Lake.

Deputies were alerted that the suspect fled the scene in a black Ford flatbed truck. Citizens followed the vehicle and notified law enforcement. Deputies located the vehicle on Highway 299. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit led to the Maple Creek area, where the suspect vehicle crashed into a livestock fence around the 16000 block of Maple Creek Rd. and fled on foot. The deputies were unable to locate the suspect. The suspect is described as a white male, last seen wearing a gray hat, blue sweatshirt, and blue jeans.

The stolen property was located at the scene of the crash and returned to the victim.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) would like to thank the citizens who acted quickly and alerted law enforcement right away by calling 911. HCSO urges citizens to call or text 911 when you are having an emergency or witnessing a crime.

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.