Above: Ryan Smith
(Photo courtesy of HCSO)
Originally published by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
“On 11/17/2023, at about 7:45 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 3500 block of Edgewood Road in the Eureka area for the report of domestic dispute and attempted arson.
Deputies arrived at the property and contacted a 19-year-old female victim. During their investigation, deputies learned that the female victim’s ex-boyfriend, 39-year-old Ryan Smith of Fortuna, had arrived uninvited to her residence. While there, Smith reportedly poured a suspected liquid accelerant on the victim and attempted to ignite the substance before fleeing the area.
On 11/18/2023, at about 11:40 a.m., Smith was located by officers with the Fortuna Police Department and arrested on charges stemming from this incident. Smith was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of attempted homicide (PC 664/187(A)), and criminal threats (PC422(A)).
This case is still under investigation.
Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.”
