Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Jan. 29 at about 7:45 a.m., a lieutenant with the Sheriff’s Office observed two subjects attempting to commit burglary at a residence in Cutten. The lieutenant attempted to contact the individuals, who ignored commands, got into their car, and fled the scene. 

The lieutenant pursued the fleeing vehicle northbound on Walnut Dr. into a school zone, where the pursuit was terminated due to public safety of students and residents in the neighborhood. A “be on the lookout” (BOLO) was advised to law enforcement for the vehicle and the two burglary subjects.

About an hour later, a deputy on patrol in Eureka located the vehicle on Broadway St., where a pursuit was again initiated on the vehicle. The vehicle went southbound on Elk River Rd. at a high rate of speed, and was reported as being seen by a citizen on Berta Rd. Deputies located the vehicle and its two occupants on Valley Rd. A male adult, later identified as Augustus Allen Gibbens, 20, of Blue Lake—who was confirmed to be on active parole—exited the vehicle and fled on foot into the woods. A female adult, Issabella Lillian Malin, 22, of Blue Lake, exited the vehicle and was immediately detained by deputies. 

A search for Gibbens involved the combined efforts of the Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, including their aircraft, and a Eureka Police Department K-9. 

Gibbens was located walking along Valley Rd. in Eureka and arrested for the following charges in addition to his parole-related warrant:

• Attempted burglary—PC 664/459
• Evading peace officer (2 counts)—VC 2800.2
• Driving without a license—VC 12500(a)
• Probation violation—PC 1203.2(a)
• Obstructing/resisting public officer—PC 148(a)(1)

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.