Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Mar. 6, 2026, at approximately 5:29 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff deputies were dispatched to a residence on Wilder Ridge Rd. in Ettersburg for the report of a burglary in progress. The reporting party advised dispatch that an unknown individual was inside the residence.

While deputies were responding to the location, dispatch remained on the phone with the resident. During the call, the resident stated she was contacting a neighbor for assistance and briefly disconnected. The resident called back and reported that the neighbor was responding to the residence. She also advised the individual inside the home was attempting to open the door to the room where she had secured herself.

While responding to the scene, deputies’ requested assistance from the California Highway Patrol. While on the phone with the resident, the dispatcher reported hearing a gunshot in the background. Dispatch spoke to the neighbor, who reported he had two individuals detained at gunpoint outside the residence and had fired a warning shot.

Deputies, along with CHP, arrived on scene and contacted the victim and her neighbor. Based on witness statements it was determined that three suspects were involved in the incident and two of them fled prior to the deputies’ arrival. 51-year-old Leo Josh Rosecrans of Fortuna was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the following charges:

  • PC 594(b)(1)-Vandalism
  • PC 459-Burglary
  • PC 182(a)(1)-Conspiracy to commit a crime
  • PC 1203.2(a)-Rearrest/Revoke probation

The two additional suspects were described as an adult white female and an adult white male.

While additional deputies remained on scene, the victim began to experience a medical emergency. Cal Fire responded and she was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

This remains an active investigation, and additional details will be released as they become available.  

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to the California Highway Patrol for their assistance.

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.