Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Jan. 28, 2026, at approximately 12:17 a.m., the Humboldt County Emergency Communications Center received a report of a physical assault that occurred at a residence located in the Campbell Field Housing Complex in Hoopa.  The reporting party advised that 45-year-old Phillip Donahue of Hoopa struck an individual in the head with a garden tool.

 While deputies were en route they were advised that emergency medical personnel were on scene with the victim.  Upon arrival, responding deputies met with the 40-year-old victim and obtained his statement.

The victim reported he was helping a friend retrieve some belongings from Donahue’s residence when Donahue approached him from behind and struck him on the side of the head with the garden tool.

The victim sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Deputies searched the area for Donahue and were unable to locate him.

During their investigation through witness statements and physical evidence, deputies developed the probable cause to arrest Donahue. A county wide bulletin was issued for the arrest of Donahue on charges of PC 245(a)(1) Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

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