The Eureka Police Department monitored two large protests that took place at the Humboldt County
Courthouse on January 30 and January 31. While both protests were primarily peaceful, two separate
incidents occurred that resulted in two arrests.
January 30, 2026 Incident
On January 30 at approximately 4:56 p.m., an EPD officer monitoring protest activity near the
intersection of 5th and J Streets observed a vehicle pull onto the sidewalk, after which a male exited the
vehicle and entered the crowd. The officer responded into the crowd, located the male on the ground,
and detained him in handcuffs.
Based on the information known to the officer at the time, including the officer’s observations and
witness statements, Gary Beckett, 71, of Eureka, was arrested for fighting in public.
During the course of the investigation, additional information surfaced regarding events that preceded
Beckett parking his vehicle and entering the crowd. The investigating officer later learned that a subject
attending the protest had stepped off the sidewalk, assaulted Beckett, and stole his hat while Beckett was
stopped at a red light at 5th and J Streets. Beckett reported that he parked his vehicle and entered the
crowd in an attempt to recover his property.
Beckett was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Jail for fighting in public.
The investigating officer has preliminarily identified a person of interest related to the assault and theft.
If positively identified as the suspect, a report will be prepared and forwarded to the Humboldt County
District Attorney’s Office for review and potential charges.
January 31, 2026 Incident
On January 31 at approximately 1:34 p.m., EPD officers patrolling on bicycles witnessed a
confrontation between a motorist and several protestors on the sidewalk on 5th Street between H and I
Streets. It appeared to officers that the driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, had sprayed protestors
with a chemical agent.
Officers conducted a traffic stop and detained the driver without incident.
The investigation determined that the driver, Joseph Hough, 51, of Eureka, became involved in a verbal
altercation with several individuals attending the protest who were on the sidewalk. During the
altercation, Hough brandished a large can of chemical agent toward the group. While some individuals
believed the spray may have been deployed, the investigation confirmed it was brandished only and not
discharged.
Hough was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Jail for brandishing a weapon, assault, and
illegal possession of a tear gas weapon.
Anyone with information regarding either incident is encouraged to contact the Eureka Police
Department at 707-441-4300.
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