PREVIOUSLY:

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Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On May 4, 2026, at approximately 6:50 p.m., deputies conducting saturation patrol operations in the Hoopa area arrested 32-year-old Orico Bailey at Lucky Bear Casino on an outstanding felony bench warrant. During the contact, Bailey was also found to be in possession of a controlled substance and was confirmed to be on probation.

At approximately 6:55 p.m., deputies contacted 30-year-old Miranda Moering across the street from the casino, who was found to have two out-of-county warrants. Moering was taken into custody without incident. Both individuals were transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on the following charges:

  • Orico Bailey: PC 978.5 Bench Warrant/Failure to Appear on Felony Charge, HS 11377(a) Possession of a Controlled Substance, PC 1203.2(a) Probation Violation
  • Miranda Moering: PC 978.5 Bench Warrant/Failure to Appear on Felony Charge, PC 978.5 Bench Warrant/Failure to Appear on Misdemeanor Charge

At approximately 9:57 p.m., additional deputies assigned to the Hoopa saturation patrol were driving in the 12700 block of State Highway 96 when they observed a vehicle with a mechanical violation. They initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 400 block of Tish Tang Road. Deputies were advised that the vehicle was an unreported-stolen vehicle and that another deputy was in the process of taking the stolen vehicle report. The vehicle failed to yield to the vehicle’s emergency lights and siren, resulting in a brief vehicle pursuit. The vehicle eventually came to a stop, and deputies identified the driver as 23-year-old Ruben Williams.

During the investigation, deputies detected the odor of alcohol emanating from Williams and requested assistance from the California Highway Patrol to conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) evaluation. Based on the CHP’s evaluation, their preliminary investigation, and statements, deputies arrested Williams.

Also present in the vehicle were a 15-year-old male juvenile and a 21-year-old male passenger. The juvenile was released into the custody of the 21-year-old passenger, who was determined to be his brother.

Williams was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on the following charges:

  • VC 10851 Take Vehicle w/o Owner’s Consent/Vehicle Theft
  • VC 23152(a) DUI
  • VC 23152(b) DUI Alcohol / 0.08 Percent or More
  • VC 2800.1 Evading Peace Officer
  • PC 273A(b) Child Abuse without GBI
  • VC 12500(a) Drive w/o License

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to proactive patrol operations within the Hoopa area. These efforts are strategic and directly address community concerns regarding ongoing criminal activity impacting the Hoopa Valley. We will continue to strengthen and support our partnership with the Hoopa Tribal Community as we work collaboratively to enhance public safety and protect residents throughout the valley.

Anyone with information about these cases 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.