The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a theft report on January 3 involving a storage unit in Eureka that housed equipment for the local Special Olympics organization. Among the stolen items were the Special Olympics Torch, first aid kits, pop-up tents, travel bags, swimming gear, and baseball equipment.
Security footage obtained by an HCSO Community Service Officer revealed a masked male suspect dressed in black using bolt cutters to break into the unit and remove items. The footage also showed him entering a silver Mercedes SUV.
On January 5, deputies found a silver Mercedes SUV matching the description of the vehicle involved in the burglary at Herrick Park and Ride in Eureka. The Emergency Communications Center confirmed that its registration was expired and linked it to Ronald Owen, 43.
On January 9, around 9 a.m., a deputy accompanied by an officer from the Eureka Police Department’s Community Safety Engagement Team contacted Owen at a camp on Hikshari Trail. They observed new pop-up tents similar to those reported stolen. Owen allowed them to search his tarp-covered storage area where they found a backpack labeled “Special Olympics” along with approximately 15 gym bags.
Owen was arrested without incident and booked at Humboldt County Correctional Facility for possession of stolen property under PC 496(a).
The Special Olympics Torch was recovered and returned by a citizen along Hikshari Trail. Over 50 golf balls were also turned into law enforcement by another concerned citizen who discovered them at Herrick Park and Ride. The Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude towards these citizens for returning the items which have been given back to their rightful owner.
Anyone with information regarding this case or related criminal activity is urged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or their Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.
