EPD: One person dead and another injured in Eureka altercation, appears to be self-defense
EUREKA, Calif. — One person is dead and another suffered a gun shot wound to the leg after an early morning altercation in Eureka, according to the Eureka Police Department.
On May 22, around 2:40 a.m., EPD officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of West Avenue for a report of multiple subjects involved in an altercation. During the altercation, officials said an occupant of a nearby residence confronted the subjects from his porch and advised them to leave the area. The subjects then confronted the resident and became hostile toward him and entered onto his property, according to EPD Captain Stephens.
The resident attempted to use pepper spray to deter the subjects, with no success, as he entered back into his home, police said. At least one subject entered the residence and attempted to assault the resident, according to the EPD. Officials said during the altercation inside the home, the resident fired multiple shots from a handgun, which he had retrieved from inside the residence, striking the subject who was assaulting him.
This subject was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to the captain. A second subject, who was on the porch, was struck in the leg by gunfire, the EPD said. This subject was transported to St. Joseph Hospital for treatment. This injury is believed to be non-life-threatening," Stephens said in a press release. "Officers were able to locate and detain everyone who was involved at the scene, including the shooter."
The individuals involved in this incident were unknown to one another, according to the EPD.
EPD Detectives responded to the scene, along with evidence technicians, and took over the investigation, which is still ongoing.
At this point in the investigation, detectives have completed their interviews with everyone who was on scene and involved, according to police. After completing the interviews and upon initial review of the evidence at the scene, the shooting appears to have been done in self-defense, the EPD said. There are no outstanding suspects at this time, according to EPD Chief Steve Watson.
Officials said the lead detectives have conferred with the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office and based on the investigation, no arrest will be made at this time. The completed report will be forwarded to the DA for review.
The EPD said they would like to thank the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department and the California Highway Patrol for their assistance with the investigation.
If anyone has any information concerning this investigation the EPD encourages you to contact Detective Sgt. Terry Liles at tliles@ci.eureka.ca.gov.
