Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On September 4, 2026, Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were conducting patrols in the area of Forest Drive in Shelter Cove when they located a white Ford F550 dump truck parked in a driveway. The vehicle matched the description of a truck reportedly stolen during a residential burglary in the 9300 block of Wilder Ridge Road in Ettersburg.

The burglary occurred between December 2025 and February 2, 2026, and involved the theft of items of significant value.

Through follow-up investigation, deputies confirmed that the Ford F550 parked at the Forest Drive residence was the stolen vehicle.

On September 6, 2026, Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant at the Forest Drive residence. During the search, deputies recovered the stolen Ford F550 dump truck and seized electronics and ammunition.

Deputies also discovered a decapitated deer carcass inside an ice chest. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife responded to the scene and took possession of the carcass.

During the search of the property, a subject fled from deputies. Deputies searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate the subject. Deputies are pursuing leads and have identified a possible suspect. Once positive identification or an arrest is made, the Sheriff’s Office will release additional information. 

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Tip line at (707) 268-2539 and to reference case number 202600488.