Deputies from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office arrested two individuals following a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 101 near the Indianola Cutoff on July 31, 2025. The stop was made for a vehicle code violation and resulted in the seizure of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine.
The driver was identified as Aaron Gore Stott, 46, of McKinleyville. Stott is known to authorities from multiple recent narcotics investigations, including two previous search warrants at his residence that led to other arrests. The passenger was Andreas Sala McDaniel, 65, of Eureka.
During the stop, deputies found a clear plastic baggie containing suspected fentanyl on Stott’s person and detained him. A K9 handler arrived with K9 Yahtzee, who alerted deputies to narcotics in the vehicle. A search uncovered about 76 grams of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with a digital scale, drug paraphernalia, and a stun gun.
Both Stott and McDaniel were taken to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on several charges related to transportation and sale of controlled substances, possession for sale of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a stun gun by a felon or addict, and committing a felony while released on bail or own recognizance.
“The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its efforts to disrupt the distribution of illicit narcotics, particularly fentanyl, which poses a severe threat to public safety,” stated HCSO officials. “HCSO notes that under current California law, possession of fentanyl is often classified as a ‘non-violent’ offense, which can result in repeat offenders being released from jail by Superior Court Judges to appear in court at a future date and time. The Sheriff’s Office encourages community members to stay informed about the dangers of fentanyl and to support efforts to strengthen public safety measures.”
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or use their Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539. Community members can subscribe for news alerts through humboldtsheriff.org/subscribe.
