Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Jan. 5, 2025, at around 10 a.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy on patrol in the area of the Samoa Dunes Recreation Area observed a parked vehicle with expired registration and contacted the two adults who were sitting near the vehicle.

A male, later identified as Joshua Price, 44, of Eureka, falsely identified himself to the deputy as “Billy Waters” and asked to use the restroom, but instead he fled on foot into the nearby dunes. A records check on Price revealed that he had a felony arrest warrant stemming from a December 2024 violation of HS 11370.1(A): Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed. 

Deputies searched the area for Price. Deputies located some of his personal items but were unable to locate Price at the time. 

Around 12 p.m., a deputy observed Price walking northbound on the beach near the Bay. Upon the deputy attempting contact, Price began sprinting and then entered private property at the Humboldt Bay Social Club, violating Penal Code 602 (trespassing). 

Price was ultimately located in a wooded area of Samoa and, with assistance from a Game Warden, he was taken into custody without further incident. Price was transported and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for his outstanding warrant. 

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.