On February 16, 2025 at about 6:27 PM, the Eureka Police Department received a call
reporting a disturbance at Sequoia Park Zoo. Zoo staff reported that at about 4:30PM, three
subjects had been escorted out of the Barnyard section of the zoo after gaining access to a
restricted and unauthorized area. Video surveillance determined that there was an additional
subject involved making it a total of four. On February 18, 2025, a photo taken from the
surveillance video was shared on social media requesting the public’s assistance in identifying
the involved suspects. It was determined one of the suspects was a minor and photos were
removed from the post.
EPD’s Park Ranger and Forensic Analyst were able to positively identify all four subjects with
the information received from the community.
On March 5, 2025, two of the subjects were arrested. 19-year-old Andres Escareno-Higgins of
Eureka was arrested on a Ramey Warrant for felony Vandalism of $400 or more (PC594(b)(1)),
felony Conspiracy to Commit a Crime (PC182(a)(1)) and Entering an Animal Enclosure
(PC602.13(a). The other arrest was of the minor suspect for felony Vandalism of $400 or more
(PC594(b)(1)), felony Conspiracy to Commit a Crime (PC182(a)(1)), Entering an Animal
Enclosure (PC602.13(a)) and Petty Theft (PC488).
The Eureka Police Department would like to thank all the members of our community who
provided the necessary information which led to the quick identity of all involved subjects.
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