More information from EPD and Humboldt Bay Fire on 2200 Union Street expected later today

On 2/18, EPD Chief Steve Watson said:

"I can confirm EPD is investigating an apparent homicide that occurred in a residence on the 2200 block of Union Street around 7:30 PM tonight.  Officers were dispatched to a domestic disturbance there. While officers were still en route, a caller reported a shot had been fired.

Upon arrival, officers found a severely injured male, around age 17, inside with an apparent gunshot wound.  Officers began life saving efforts and the male was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.  No suspects are believed to be outstanding.

This is an active investigation in its preliminary stages. Investigators are on scene and will be working through the night. We will release more information once we know more and can responsibly do so."

EPD Senior Det. Ron Harpham was on scene until late last night.

A fire broke out at the same location this morning.

While engines have cleared the same location this morning, Humboldt Bay Fire Battalion Chief and 6 firefighters are still on scene. EPD was contacted; they had finished evidence collection last night. At this point, it is too early to determine cause of the fire or if it is suspicious, if HBF finds anything of interest, they will contact EPD.

HBF released this information later today, "On 2/19/2020 at 6:39 A.M. Humboldt Bay Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 2200 Union Street. The first arriving units found light smoke coming from the attic and eaves of a single-family residence. "

Fire crews made entry in to the residence and found a fire in the living room area with heavy smoke throughout rest the structure. Crews simultaneously attacked the fire, ventilated the structure and performed a search to locate any possible victims. "

"Fire crews were slowed by hoarding conditions and a second alarm was requested for additional manpower. Fire crews had the fire under control within about ten minutes. Nobody was home at the time of the fire, although a family cat and pet mice perished in the incident."

"Damage to the residence is estimated to be $30,000. Humboldt Bay Fire contacted the Eureka Police Department to advise them of the fire as it had been the scene of a law enforcement incident the previous night. The Eureka Police Department had released the scene earlier in the evening and the fire was unrelated to those events. Humboldt Bay Fire investigators determined the fire to be accidental. It was caused by combustibles too close to a floor furnace.   Humboldt Bay Fire would like to remind people to keep combustibles away from operating heating appliances. There were no injuries to firefighters at the incident. "