On March 3, 2025, a Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy on patrol in Samoa encountered a man walking along Vance Avenue and Pedro Lane. The man initially provided false identification but was later identified as John Barton, 36, of Samoa.
During the investigation, the deputy noticed Barton turning away and discarding a plastic bag over a roadway barricade. The deputy retrieved the bag for testing. It was confirmed by the Emergency Communications Center that Barton had two felony warrants and one misdemeanor warrant for his arrest and was on formal probation.
While waiting for a records check, Barton claimed he was having difficulty breathing and collapsed. Medical personnel arrived, and he was taken to a local hospital. Another plastic bag found near Barton was collected by the deputy for testing.
Tests revealed that Barton possessed 7.41 grams of methamphetamine. After being medically cleared at the hospital, he was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility with charges including violation of probation (PC 1203.2(a)), giving false ID to an officer (PC 148.9(a)), and possession of methamphetamine (H&S 11377(a)).
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity to call them at (707) 445-7251 or use their Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.
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