Eureka Police Chief Brian Stephens (left) swears in James Whitchurch upon the latter’s graduation from the College of the Redwoods Police Academy in June. | Screenshot from EPD video on social media.

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PREVIOUSLY

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Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

The Eureka Police Department is aware that on December 24, 2025, the California Highway Patrol conducted an investigation involving Officer James Whitchurch, which subsequently led to his arrest.

Immediately following his arrest, Officer Whitchurch was placed on paid administrative leave. This is an ongoing personnel matter; the department will not release additional information at this time.

The Eureka Police Department is fully cooperating with the California Highway Patrol, which is the lead investigative agency in this matter. Any further information regarding the arrest must be obtained from the California Highway Patrol.

[Eureka Police Chief Brian Stephen said,] “The arrest of one of our officers for driving under the influence is a serious matter. This type of behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the values, standards, or  expectations of this department. We hold our members to a high level of accountability, both on and off duty. The department will address this incident through the appropriate administrative and disciplinary processes as the matter moves forward.”