On February 28, a deputy from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a report of a vandalized vehicle on the 400 block of 1st Ave. in Blue Lake. Upon arrival, the deputy discovered a vehicle with broken windows and an interior that had been rummaged through. While investigating, two more reports of vehicle break-ins were received in the area. One of these vehicles had blood spots on its doors, and a sample was collected for testing.
Home surveillance footage revealed a suspect attempting to break into a vehicle. Using this description, the deputy searched the area and found Shawn Iloff, 31, of Arcata, at the Blue Lake Casino parking lot. Iloff was arrested after being identified as the suspect in the video.
During his arrest, Iloff admitted to breaking into three vehicles and stealing mail. A methamphetamine pipe was found in one of the stolen bags during a search incident to arrest.
Iloff was transported to Humboldt County Correctional Facility with charges including two counts of burglary (PC 459), grand theft (PC 487(a)), felony vandalism (PC 594(b)(1)), misdemeanor vandalism (PC 594(b)(2)(a)), possession of stolen property (PC 496(a)), possession of drug paraphernalia (H&S 11364(a)), and an outstanding misdemeanor warrant (PC 978.5).
Some stolen items were recovered and returned to their owners.
The HCSO encourages anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity to contact them at (707) 445-7251 or via their Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.
For updates from HCSO, individuals can subscribe to news alerts at humboldtsheriff.org/subscribe.
