Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Jan. 27 at about 5 p.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy on patrol in the Carlotta area observed a blue Ford Mustang traveling eastbound on Hwy 36 at a high rate of speed. As the deputy attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle, the driver failed to yield to emergency lighting and sirens and accelerated to speed of 100 mph in a posted 55 mph zone. 

The driver, later identified as Kyle Haselip, 24, of Hydesville, continued eastbound on Hwy 36 and drove into the opposite lane of traffic near Fern Ln., nearly causing a collision, before turning north onto Yager Creek Rd. at about 60 mph. Haselip then lost control of the vehicle, which spun out before coming to a brief stop facing the deputy’s patrol vehicle. Haselip then accelerated directly toward the deputy’s vehicle, and the deputy maneuvered off the roadway to avoid a collision.

Haselip then drove northbound on Yager Creek Rd. and failed to yield at a stop sign before continuing west on Hwy 36 toward Hydesville at speed over 100 mph. Due to public safety concerns, the deputy terminated the pursuit when the driver traveled through a posted 35 mph zone at 100 mph but continued to follow the vehicle at a safe speed. The deputy observed Haselip turn onto a driveway and located him parked at the residence. 

Haselip was detained at that location without further incident. Haselip was also found to be driving with a suspended driver’s license. 

Smith was then booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for the following charges:

• Evade peace officer recklessly—VC 2800.2
• Evade peace officer, against traffic—VC 2800.4
• Driving with suspended license—VC 14601.1(a)

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.