Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Jan. 8, 2026, at approximately 7:33 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence located on Van Ness Ave. in Ferndale following the report of a stabbing. While en route, deputies were advised that the suspect had physically attacked his girlfriend and stabbed her.  

Upon arrival, deputies contacted the 48-year-old female victim, who reported her boyfriend, identified as 42-year-old James Jay LaBranche of Ferndale, physically assaulted her inside the residence and stabbed her before she was able to flee outside.   

Deputies attempted to contact LaBranche, who remained inside the residence, issuing commands for him to exit.  After several hours without response, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team was requested and responded to the scene to assist in the apprehension of Labranche. 

Deputies obtained a Ramey arrest warrant and search warrant for the residence.  After LaBranche failed to respond to the SWAT team’s commands, a less -lethal diversionary device was deployed into the residence, and he was safely taken into custody. 

Emergency medical services responded to the scene, but the victim’s injuries were determined to be non-life threatening, and she did not require any further medical treatment.

 LaBranche was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the following charges:

 PC 273.5(a) – Inflict corporal injury on spouse/cohabitant/dating relationship

PC 664/187 - Attempted murder

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.

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