On December 1, around 3 p.m., deputies from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office were called to Ace Hardware on Central Avenue in McKinleyville following a report of theft.
A store employee reported that Thomas Long, 74, from Blue Lake, entered the store and took a Milwaukee chainsaw before leaving quickly. Another employee, who was on break outside, saw Long exit through an unauthorized door and place the chainsaw in his truck. The employee managed to retrieve the chainsaw before Long drove away.
Surveillance footage supported these eyewitness accounts. Deputies went to Long’s residence in Blue Lake and arrested him without any issues. He was taken to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for booking on charges of petty theft (PC 484(a)). During the booking process, a Correctional Deputy found methamphetamine hidden in Long’s sock, leading to an additional charge under PC 4753.6(a).
The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about this case or related activities to contact them at (707) 445-7251 or use their Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.
For updates from HCSO directly via phone or email, individuals can subscribe to news alerts at humboldtsheriff.org/subscribe.
