Fifth and Commercial, where the whole strange hullabaloo began.

Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On September 10, 2026, at approximately 10:30 p.m., an officer with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of 5th and Commercial Streets in Eureka for a headlight violation.

The driver, identified as 37-year-old Bethanie Walton of Washington, initially yielded to the traffic stop. During the officer’s investigation, however, Walton fled the scene in her vehicle. Walton continued eastbound on 5th Street before turning southbound onto Myrtle Avenue and then northbound on Old Arcata Road. While Walton was traveling on Old Arcata Road, an EPD officer deployed spike strips, which punctured the vehicle’s tires. The vehicle was disabled a short time later.

Officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop and ultimately took Walton into custody. Walton was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility, where she was booked on the following charges:

• VC 2800.2(a) – Evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property
• PC 148(a)(1) – Obstructing or resisting a peace officer
• VC 22350 – Unsafe speed
• VC 21453(a) – Red light violation
• VC 22107 – Unsafe turning movement
• VC 21658(a) – Driving unsafely within a single lane
• VC 16028(a) – No proof of insurance
• VC 12951(a) – Driver’s license not in possession
• VC 5201 – Rear license plate not clearly visible
• VC 24400(a) – Headlamps required

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Eureka Police Department at 707-441-4300.