Redwood Empire News

A 29-year-old man, identified as Ronald Payton, was arrested in Humboldt County after an incident involving attempted burglary, felony evading, and driving under the influence of alcohol. The events unfolded on February 6, 2024, when Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of an attempted residential burglary on Fernwood Drive in McKinleyville.

According to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, deputies were informed that a male suspect had tried to break into a residence by kicking in the front door before fleeing the scene in a vehicle. Deputies located the suspect vehicle near Murray Road and US Hwy 101, leading to a pursuit.

"The vehicle fled from deputies when they attempted an enforcement stop," stated the Sheriff's Office. "The vehicle turned southbound on Hwy 101 and accelerated away at a high rate of speed." The pursuit ended when the suspect's vehicle drove off the roadway near Hwy 101 and School Road, getting stuck in a muddy area.

"The driver was taken into custody without further incident," the authorities confirmed. Ronald Payton was identified as the driver of the vehicle and the suspect in the attempted burglary. He was also found to be driving under the influence of alcohol.

Payton was subsequently booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and charged with attempted burglary, felony evading, and DUI. The charges against him include attempted burglary (PC 664/459), felony evading (CVC 2800.2(A)), and DUI (CVC 23152(A)).

Individuals with any information related to the case or other criminal activities are urged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

To stay updated on news from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, interested individuals can subscribe to news alerts at humboldtsheriff.org/subscribe.