Redwood Empire News

On December 5, at approximately 2:45 a.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff's Deputy stopped a vehicle near Fern Street and Vista Drive in Eureka. The vehicle, a 1998 Toyota 4-Runner, was found to have a license plate belonging to a 2009 BMW.

The driver, identified as Zachary Osborne, age 27, from Eureka, was questioned about the incorrect license plate. Upon checking the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), deputies discovered that the vehicle had not been registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles for two years. Deputies noted that Osborne exhibited signs of drug intoxication, such as erratic movements and rapid speech, raising concerns about his ability to drive safely.

Osborne was asked to exit the vehicle for a sobriety check. When questioned about weapons in the vehicle, Osborne stated, “No, but there is one on me.” He was then detained and searched by deputies who found a loaded Glock-style handgun in his waistband. Subsequently, Osborne was arrested for carrying a concealed loaded firearm in public under PC25850(a). During a search incident to arrest, deputies also discovered drug paraphernalia and fentanyl in his possession. A further search of the vehicle revealed small baggies typically used for storing illicit substances and a glass methamphetamine pipe.

Osborne was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he faced several charges including possession of a controlled substance while armed (HS 11370.1(a)), false evidence of vehicle registration (VC 4463), possession of controlled substances (HS 11350), possession of controlled substance paraphernalia (HS 11364), carrying a loaded firearm in public (PC25850(a)), carrying a firearm capable of being concealed (PC25400(a)(2)), and felon in possession of a firearm (PC29800(a)(1)).

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding this case or related criminal activity to contact them at (707) 445-7251 or through their Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.