Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Sept. 21, 2025, at approximately 10:03 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were patrolling eastbound on Shelter Cove Road near Redwood Road when they observed a white Jeep Cherokee traveling westbound at a high rate of speed.

Deputies attempted to catch up to the vehicle to initiate a traffic stop, but lost sight of it due to its speed. Shortly after, the same Jeep was seen traveling at an excessive speed southbound on Lower Pacific Road. The driver made a rapid turn onto Machi Road and into the parking lot of Mario’s Marina Bar, narrowly missing pedestrians and parked vehicles.

Once deputies caught up, they activated their emergency lights and siren. However, the driver failed to yield and fled the area at a high rate of speed. Due to the danger posed to public safety, deputies initiated a pursuit eastbound on Shelter Cove Road.

The Jeep came to a temporary stop near Toth Road. Deputies issued multiple commands to the driver, later identified as Matthew James Hayes, 39, of Shelter Cove. While attempting to detain him, Hayes suddenly accelerated, striking the front passenger door of the patrol vehicle. As the Jeep fled, both deputies were struck by the Jeep, sustaining minor arm injuries.

The pursuit continued due to the immediate threat to public safety. Approximately three miles outside of Redway, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) took over the pursuit, which continued southbound on Highway 101 to the Willits area. CHP successfully disabled the vehicle using a spike strip. Hayes was taken into custody without further incident and booked into the Mendocino County Jail.

One deputy was treated at a local hospital and released. Both sustained minor injuries.

An arrest warrant has been submitted for Hayes in Humboldt County on the following charges:

• VC 2800.2(a) – Felony Evading
• PC 245(a)(1) – Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• PC 69(a) – Obstructing/Resisting an Executive Officer

The case has been forwarded to the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.

Anyone with information related to this case or other associated criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Crime Tip Line at (707) 268-2539.