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• (VIDEO) Suspect’s Erratic Behavior Prompts Big Police Response After Slow-Speed Chase in Eureka

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Eureka Police Department press release:

On January 13, at about 1705 hours, two single-unit Patrol Officers with the Eureka Police Department observed a Corvette traveling on the 600 block of F Street; the driver was erratically reviving the Corvette’s engine. Upon further investigation, the Corvette’s registration was discovered to be expired.

The Corvette turned off onto a side street and then began traveling south on E Street. When the Patrol Officers attempted a traffic stop on the Corvette for the above violations, the driver refused to stop, and continued south on E Street for over a quarter of a mile. When the Corvette stopped for stop signs, the driver would erratically and loudly rev the engine and then continue south on E Street. Multiple Patrol Officers, including Command Staff and three K9 Units who had just finished training nearby, responded to assist.

The driver of the Corvette, later identified as Judah Demeire, 51 years old of Eureka, stopped on E Street near Humboldt. After stopping, Demeire backed the Corvette into the front of a Patrol Unit. Boxed in by Patrol Units, the Corvette came to a stop. However, Demeire refused to comply with Officers; he remained inside the vehicle, made erratic and concealed movements, opened and closed his window, and yelled nonsensically.

The CSET MIST Officer (Mental Health Officer) who arrived on-scene, attempted to negotiate with Demeire in order to gain his voluntary compliance. However, Demeire refused to de- escalate and/or comply.

Due to his non-compliance, Officers introduced OC spray into the Corvette. This was effective and Demeire exited. However, while exiting, Demeire was again non-compliant with officers and was ultimately forced to the ground and placed under arrest.

After being medically cleared at a nearby hospital, Demeire was booked into HCCF for VC 2800.1(a), PC 148(a)(1), and PC 647(f). This case is still under review for PC 245(a)(1) – Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and PC 69 – Resisting an Officer with Force or Fear.