Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On January 11, 2026, at approximately 10:15 a.m., Eureka Police Department (EPD) Patrol and Community Safety Engagement Team (CSET) officers responded to the 0 block of West 3rd Street regarding a reported stabbing at an encampment.

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim suffering from multiple stab wounds to the leg, as well as a dog that had sustained a stab wound to the chest. The suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Tyler Smith, had reportedly fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.

While officers were in the immediate area, Smith was located as he was being pursued by another adult male, identified as Mitchell Byrd, who was armed with a hatchet. Officers detained both Smith and Byrd without further incident.

The investigation, which included witness interviews and review of surveillance footage from a nearby business, revealed that Smith and Byrd were initially involved in a physical altercation.

During that altercation, Smith allegedly brandished a knife, causing Byrd to flee. While still at the scene, Smith then became involved in a second altercation with another individual associated with Byrd. During this encounter, Smith reportedly stabbed the individual and the dog.

Tyler Smith was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of attempted homicide and animal cruelty. Mitchell Byrd was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of assault with a deadly weapon.

The injured dog was transported to a local veterinary hospital for treatment.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Eureka Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit at 707-441-4300.