Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office release:

On July 31, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO)  deputies conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 101 near the Indianola Cutoff for a vehicle  code violation. This traffic stop led to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of a  substantial quantity of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine, underscoring HCSO’s  commitment to combating the opioid crisis in Humboldt County. 

Deputies identified the driver as Aaron Gore Stott, 46, of McKinleyville, a known suspect in  multiple recent narcotics investigations. These investigations include two separate narcotics related warrants served at his residence leading to the arrest of multiple narcotics offenders. 

The passenger was identified as Andreas Sala McDaniel, 65, of Eureka. During the stop, deputies  observed a clear plastic baggie containing suspected fentanyl on Stott’s person, prompting his  immediate detention. 

An HCSO K9 handler and his partner, Yahtzee, were on scene shortly after the traffic stop was  initiated. K9 Yahtzee was deployed and alerted to the presence of narcotics within the vehicle,  leading to a search that uncovered approximately 76 grams of suspected methamphetamine and  fentanyl, along with a digital scale, drug paraphernalia, and a stun gun.  

Stott and McDaniel were arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on  multiple charges, including: 

• Health and Safety Code § 11352(a): Transportation or sale of controlled substances
• Health and Safety Code § 11378: Possession for sale of methamphetamine
• Health and Safety Code § 11379(a): Transportation for sale of controlled substances
• Health and Safety Code § 11395: Unlawful sale or furnishing of controlled substances
• Penal Code § 22610: Unlawful possession of a stun gun by a felon or addict
• Penal Code § 12022.1: Felony committed while released on bail or own recognizance 

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its efforts to disrupt the distribution of  illicit narcotics, particularly fentanyl, which poses a severe threat to public safety. HCSO notes  that under current California law, possession of fentanyl is often classified as a “non-violent”  offense, which can result in repeat offenders being released from jail by Superior Court Judges to  appear in court at a future date and time. The Sheriff’s Office encourages community members to  stay informed about the dangers of fentanyl and to support efforts to strengthen public safety  measures.

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.