Attempted Burglary Suspect Allegedly Leads Deputies on Pursuit While Under Influence
Above: Ronald Payton
Photo courtesy of Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office
Humboldt County authorities recently arrested an individual for alleged attempted burglary and driving under the influence.
According to a press release by the Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 1300 block of Fernwood Drive in McKinleyville at around 2 AM on February 6. At the scene, the homeowner said that an unknown person had tried to break into his house by kicking in the front door, but fled before deputies arrived.
Deputies soon located the suspect vehicle near Murray Road and Highway 101 and attempted an enforcement stop, but the driver reportedly turned south on 101 and fled at high speed.
The driver then reportedly drove off the road near Highway 101 and School Road, where the vehicle then became stuck in the mud. At that point, deputies were able to take the driver, identified as 29-year-old Ronald Payton, into custody.
In addition to being identified as the suspect in the earlier break-in, Payton was also allegedly found to have been driving under the influence of alcohol. He was booked at the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on suspicion of attempted burglary, felony evading, and driving under the influence.
As of press time, no further details have been made available.
