Arcata Pursuit ends in Arrest

ARCATA – On Sunday, April 14 at approximately 9:30 p.m., a resident called the Humboldt County Sheriffs Office to file a report regarding threats.  An officer arrived at the 200 block of Jackson Ranch Rd., Arcata to meet with the male victim, 49. The victim informed the officer that earlier in the year, John McDonald of Arcata, 49, portended he may shoot at him. On Thursday, McDonald parked his vehicle, described as a light blue Ford 350 pick up truck on the victim’s property.  McDonald was sitting in the driver’s seat of his vehicle when the victim confronted him, McDonald proceeded to point his finger at him and motion as if he had a weapon and was shooting at him.  It was then that McDonald sped off.

John McDonald, 49, arrest photo

Two officers arrived at McDonald’s property at the 1800 block of Iverson Rd., Arcata to discuss the threats he made around 10:15 p.m.  The officers noted that McDonald’s vehicle matched the victim’s description, and McDonald was still seated in the driver’s seat.  When the deputy vehicle approached McDonald’s truck from behind, he attempted to drive away.  The officer behind the truck made an effort at conducting a traffic stop on McDonald’s vehicle near Jane’s Rd. and Bay School Rd., Arcata.  McDonald didn’t stop for the officer and accelerated to 35 mph.  The deputy vehicles began a pursuit into the Arcata bottoms region.  McDonald’s vehicle failed to stop at multiple stop signs and  patrol cars accelerated to 40 mph.  The truck stopped in the 4000 block of Vaissade Rd., Arcata near a barn.  McDonald exited his vehicle and hobbled over a fence and into a field.  An officer stopped McDonald via foot pursuit.  When McDonald was asked by deputies why he didn’t pull over for the lights and siren, he responded that he thought they would just leave him alone if he continued driving.

4000 Vaissade Rd. where pursuit ended

McDonald was arrested on the charges of felony evasion, terrorist threats, resisting arrest, driving without a valid license and violation of probation.  He is currently in custody in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.  His bail was set at $50, 000.

Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251, or the Sheriff’s Tip Line at 707-268-2539.

Read more:

Arcata Eye:  Man Arrested After Alleged Threats

The Willits News:  Deputies arrest Arcata man after pursuit

Arcata Pursuit ends in Arrest was last modified: January 14th, 2019 by admin
Categories: Humboldt

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