‘Bear Hunting Accident’ A Pot Grow Showdown – October 3, 2012
HCSO Press Release
ARCATA/BALD HILLS – On Monday, Oct. 1 at about 6:50 a.m., deputies were dispatched to Mad River Community Hospital for a reported self-inflicted gunshot victim. The victim, whose name is not being released at this time, is described as a white male, age 30, of Crescent City.
The victim initially told deputies he was bear hunting in the Bald Hills area of Humboldt County when he accidently discharged his shotgun, striking himself in both legs.
With the help of a friend, who was also hunting, the victim was transported to the Bald Hills Cal Fire Station on Bald Hills Road and an ambulance responded, transporting him to the hospital. The victims injuries are non-life threatening.
Several hours later, the victim contacted the sheriff’s office a second time and recanted his initial statement. The victim told deputies he works at a marijuana growing operation off Johnson Road and was gone from the site for several days. He returned on the above date and time and entered the grow site, where he was confronted by several people. One of the people shot the victim.
On Tuesday, Oct. 2 at about 2 p.m., investigators responded to the area of the shooting and searched for evidence. Evidence of a marijuana growing operation was located along with evidence supporting some of the victim’s statements. Investigators also interviewed several persons of interest in the area.
This investigation is still on-going. No arrests have been made. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriffs Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriffs Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.
Mike Downey
Sheriff
