A Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a motorcycle near Blue Lake Casino in the early hours of August 28 after observing the rider fail to halt at a stop sign by Chartin Road and Casino Way. The motorcyclist did not comply, continuing onto Blue Lake Boulevard and heading toward Glendale Drive at high speed.
During the pursuit, the suspect entered oncoming traffic lanes on State Highway 299 at Essex Lane. Due to safety concerns, the deputy ended the chase as the motorcycle traveled westbound in eastbound lanes.
Deputies later found the motorcycle on Giuntoli Lane at Heindon Road in Arcata and resumed their pursuit. The rider then fled across Mad River Road and over Hammond Foot Bridge toward McKinleyville, where deputies lost track of him.
A break came when casino security at The Heights Casino in Trinidad reported a motorcycle matching the description parked outside with its rider still present. Deputies responded and arrested James Luther Vernon Williams, 32, of McKinleyville with assistance from California Highway Patrol officers.
Williams was booked into Humboldt County Correctional Facility on several charges: evading a peace officer with willful disregard for safety (V.C. 2800.2(A)), evading by driving in opposing traffic lanes (V.C. 2800.4), driving under the influence of alcohol (V.C. 23152(A) and V.C. 23152(B)), and driving with a suspended license (V.C. 14601.2(A)).
“This case is still under investigation.”
“The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the California Highway Patrol for their assistance with this case.”
Authorities encourage anyone with information related to this incident or other criminal activity to contact them at (707) 445-7251 or via their Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.
Community members can subscribe to receive news alerts from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office through their official website: https://humboldtgov.org/list.aspx?ListID=219
