Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Dec. 13, 2025, at 1: 02 a.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy was patrolling the area of Broadway St. and Sunset St., in Eureka when he observed a white Jeep Cherokee parked at a local gas station. There were two people associated with the Jeep, the deputy then stopped and contacted the two individuals. The driver and owner of the jeep was identified as 37-year-old Jesse Eugene Johnson, and the passenger was identified and determined to be on formal probation with a search clause.

The deputy then conducted a search of the vehicle to ensure the subject on probation was adhering to his terms of release. During the search the deputy located a homemade explosive device inside the vehicle. The deputy detained the two subjects and requested the assistance of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordinance Detail (EOD). EOD responded to the scene and rendered the explosive device safe.

A further search of the Jeep conducted by the deputies revealed approximately 13.61 grams of methamphetamine, 13.16 grams of Psylocibin mushrooms, drug paraphernalia, .22 caliber ammunition [and] a .22 caliber rifle. Through the investigation, it was determined that the device, drugs, weapon and ammo belonged to the driver, Jesse Johnson.

Johnson was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on the following charges:

• HS 11377(a): Possession of a Controlled Substance
• HS 11350(a): Possession of a Controlled substance
• HS 11364(a): Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• PC 18710(a): Possession of a Destructive Device
• PC 29805(a)(1): Possession of a Firearm w/ Spec Misdemeanor Conviction
• PC 30305(a)(1): Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition

The passenger of the Jeep was released at the scene.

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.