Covelo Firearm Assault Suspect Identified & Arrested
COVELO, CA — “On 10/31/26 at approximately 2:50 A.M., Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to the area of Howard Street and Main Street in Covelo, CA, for a reported assault with a firearm.
Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area, including the Covelo Resident Deputy, who located the 33-year-old male victim in the 29000 block of Howard Street. The victim was seated in his vehicle and had sustained a gunshot wound to his leg. The victim reported he had been in the 58000 block of Main Street retrieving a car battery when he was confronted by Tyler Vann, a 27-year-old male from Covelo, who was armed with a firearm.
Emergency medical personnel responded and began treating the victim’s injury. The victim was flown to an out-of-county hospital by air ambulance. The victim’s medical status is unknown as of publishing this press release.
Sheriff’s Deputies initiated an investigation into the shooting based on the information reported. The investigation included identifying the shooting scene, obtaining and executing a search warrant to process the scene and search Vann’s residence, and conducting witness interviews.
Based on the investigation, including physical evidence located at the scene, Sheriff’s Deputies determined the shooting occurred during the early morning hours of 10/31/26. Vann was alerted to the victim’s presence near Main Street and Howard Street in Covelo, within proximity to Vann’s residence. Vann obtained a firearm, exited his residence, and approached the male subject as he was leaving the area. Vann confronted the victim over an alleged theft and ultimately discharged his firearm into the victim’s vehicle, striking the victim in his leg.
Based on the circumstances, physical evidence, and positioning of the parties involved, Sheriff’s Deputies did not find evidence indicating the victim presented an imminent threat of physical harm to Vann at the time of the shooting.
Sheriff’s Deputies determined there was probable cause to arrest Vann for 245(a)(2) PC – Assault with a firearm, and 12022.5(a) PC – Personal use of a firearm during the commission of a violent felony.
Vann was arrested for the above charges and transported to the Mendocino County Jail. Vann was later released from custody after posting $80,000 bail.
Anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100.”
