Cal Poly Humboldt issued the following message to the campus community on Tuesday. The arrestee, Joshua Adam Flowers, has a long history of prior arrests on a variety of charges, most frequently public intoxication.

Joshua Adam Flowers

On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at approximately 7:32 a.m., it was reported to the University Police Department that an unknown male subject attempted to forcibly take a backpack from a Cal Poly Humboldt employee while they were walking through the Jolly Giant Commons (JGC) parking lot. The victim was able to summon for assistance as the male subject fled the area. The reporting party provided an excellent description of the suspect, which enabled officers to swiftly take action.

Utilizing the detailed witness description and conducting a thorough review of campus CCTV footage, UPD, with the assistance of the Arcata Police Department, successfully located the suspect in the 1600 block of G Street. After further investigation, 45-year-old Joshua Adam Flowers was arrested for Attempted Robbery and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where his bail was set at $25,000. Based on this incident, Flowers is banned from the Cal Poly

Campus for the next 7 calendar days. If you see Flowers on campus, please alert UPD immediately at 707-826-5555. 

The University Police Department would like to thank the witness for their prompt and accurate report, as well as the Arcata Police Department for their cooperation and support in bringing this case to a swift resolution.

We take the safety and security of our campus community very seriously and encourage anyone who witnesses or experiences suspicious activity to report it immediately. If you have any additional information regarding this case, please contact the University Police Department at 707-826-5555.

In response to this incident, which is being classified as an attempted robbery, UPD and the Clery Compliance Office are providing the following prevention and awareness tips to all members of our campus community:

Campus Safety Crime Tips

  • Avoid putting music headphones in both ears so that you can be more aware of your surroundings, especially if you are walking alone. Knowing where you are and who is around you may help you find a way to get out of a bad situation. Notify law enforcement immediately to report suspicious behavior: 9-1-1.
  • Consider sharing your location or social plans with friends or loved ones, either through the Rave Guardian App or other means.
  • If walking feels unsafe, consider calling some friends or UPD Dispatch for a safety escort at 707-826-5555.
  • Make sure you can grab your cell phone easily and that it is fully charged.
  • Park or walk in lighted areas when possible. If you notice lights are out or unlighted areas around campus, please share this information with Facilities Management at 707-826-4475.
  • Trust your instincts. If a situation or location feels unsafe or uncomfortable, consider leaving the area if you can.
  • Try not to load yourself down with packages or bags as this can make you appear more vulnerable.
  • Walk with purpose. Even if you don’t know where you are going, act like you do.

Campus & Community Resources

We recognize this announcement may affect the emotional well-being of our campus community. The  identified resources below are available should a member of our campus community need them:

Additional Ways to Report Information