Humboldt County, California - Ferndale Fairgrounds, Belotti Hall at left, Cattlemen & Cattlewoman’s building at right foreground. | Photo by Elin Beltz, public domain.

###

Press release from the Ferndale Police Department:

On July 13, 2024, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Ferndale Police Officers were dispatched to Belotti Hall inside the Humboldt County Fairgrounds where a private security company had reported they had a subject in custody who was believed to be armed.

Upon their arrival, Ferndale Officers contacted Lopez Valverde, Mauro Jose, 26, of Ferndale, Ca.

During the contact, Ferndale Officers located a loaded .45 caliber handgun tucked inside the front waistband of Lopez Valverde. Ferndale officers were then informed Lopez Valverde had brandished the handgun toward another individual while threatening them.

Lopez Valverde was taken into custody by Ferndale Police without incident, and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the following charges:

  • PC 417(A)(2)(A) – Exhibit a concealed firearm in public,
  • PC 25400(A)(2) – Carry concealed weapon on person, PC 25800(A) – Carry loaded firearm with intent to commit felony,
  • PC 25850(A) – Carry loaded forearm on person in a public place.