On October 7, at approximately 6:30 p.m., deputies from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance report in the Pine Hill area. The incident occurred on Lloyd Street where a male, identified as Jeffrey Buckalew, aged 62 from Fortuna, was reportedly yelling and banging on a door before leaving.
While searching for Buckalew, deputies received another call about someone shouting in a nearby private pasture, roughly half a mile from the first location. Believing it might be Buckalew again, they went to Sea Avenue in Pine Hill.
Deputies found Buckalew hiding in the brush of the pasture. He threatened them with firearm use when they called out to him. For safety reasons, deputies drew their firearms and less-than-lethal weapons and brought a specialized K-9 unit to the scene. Despite negotiations lasting over an hour, Buckalew did not comply and continued his threats.
After about 90 minutes of negotiation efforts, Buckalew emerged from the brush with his hands up but no visible firearm. However, he soon retreated back into hiding. Deputies were able to apprehend him safely afterward. He was taken into custody for disorderly conduct while under the influence (PC 647(f)) and obstructing/resisting an executive officer (PC 69).
The investigation is ongoing.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information related to this case or other criminal activities to contact them at (707) 445-7251 or through their Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.
