Deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office made several arrests related to outstanding warrants, narcotics offenses, and other criminal activity during a 12-hour enforcement shift across Humboldt County, according to a May 26 report.
Approximately 20 minutes into the shift, a patrol deputy from the Eureka Main Station observed Michael Thomas Banyard near Tydd Street and V Street in Eureka. Deputies determined Banyard had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was detained without incident and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.
Shortly after, deputies conducted a foot patrol at a transient encampment behind Walgreens Pharmacy at 2525 Harris Street in Eureka. Allen Walter Yochum was found in possession of drug paraphernalia and used hypodermic needles that were in plain view. Deputies learned Yochum was on Post Release Community Supervision for prior drug-related convictions and had absconded from supervision. He also had five outstanding warrants for his arrest. Yochum was taken into custody without incident and booked into the correctional facility.
Later, deputies assigned to the Hoopa Valley area initiated a traffic stop near Pine Creek Road and River Road for an observed violation. The driver, Gary Keith Parson, admitted to possessing methamphetamine. A search resulted in over 30 grams of suspected methamphetamine being discovered; Parson was arrested for possession of controlled substances.
Additional deputies conducted another traffic stop on Tish Tang Road involving Terra Yvette Hescock and Jasmine Beatrice Faye Smith. Smith was found operating with a suspended license while drug paraphernalia was observed inside the vehicle. HCSO K9 Yahtzee alerted deputies to narcotics presence; further search revealed additional paraphernalia and ammunition. Both subjects were arrested on various charges.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said it remains committed to proactive policing strategies aimed at public safety: “Through increased patrol activity, strategic enforcement, and continued community engagement, HCSO will continue working to deter criminal activity, hold offenders accountable, and keep Humboldt County communities safe.” The agency provides law enforcement services across unincorporated areas of Humboldt County—including emergency communications, animal control, custody operations—and maintains its headquarters at 826 4th Street in Eureka, according to the official website.
