Press release from the Arcata Police Department:

On February 12, 2026, the Arcata Police Department received an anonymous tip through its online reporting system alleging that Kason Severe was attempting to sell an illegal firearm on Snapchat and was in possession of controlled substances.

Investigators confirmed that a Ruger-57 semiautomatic pistol equipped with a large capacity magazine and accompanying ammunition was being offered for sale via Severe’s Snapchat account. Investigators further determined that Severe is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

On February 19, 2026, investigators served a search warrant at Severe’s residence in the 100 block of Samoa Boulevard. During the search, officers located the Ruger-57 pistol depicted in the Snapchat images, a large capacity magazine, ammunition, and multiple prescription medications without valid prescriptions, including alprazolam, gabapentin, Adderall, buprenorphine, and clonazepam.

Severe was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. The following charges will be requested:

• PC 23900 - Obliteration of Identification Marks on a Firearm

• PC 23920(a) - Possession of a Firearm with Obliterated Identification Marks

• PC 32310(a) - Offering a Large Capacity Magazine for Sale

• BP 4060 - Possession of Prescription Drugs Without a Prescription

• PC 1203.2 - Probation Violation