Arrest made in Waterfront explosions

Over the last several months, the Eureka Police Department’s (EPD) Community Safety and Enhancement Team’s (CSET) Park and Waterfront Ranger has received numerous reports of fireworks and loud explosions coming from the area of Bayshore Way in Eureka.    

On January 9, 2021, a report of an explosion near the waterfront trail was received.  After speaking with witnesses and reviewing video surveillance from the area, 53-year-old Darin Vitolo of Eureka was identified as the suspect.  

On January 11, 2021, CSET and EPD’s Problem Oriented Policing Team (POP) responded to the 1300 block of Bayshore Way for a probation search on Vitolo.  

During the search of Vitolo’s shipping container, 29 grams of methamphetamine, US Currency, a scale, packaging material, and a pay/owe book were located.  

The following items were located during a search of Vitolo’s makeshift workshop: a live explosive device, materials for the manufacturing of explosive components (fuses, containers, tape), tools, and items used to build explosive devices.  There were also bulk chemicals which could be used in the making of energetic materials used in explosives.  

Several exploded devices and commercial firework containers not California approved were also located on the property.  All items were consistent with evidence found after previous reports of explosions heard around the waterfront area.  The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team responded and rendered the functioning explosive device safe.  A test conducted at the scene confirmed the device was filled with explosive material.   

Vitolo was  transported and booked into the  Humboldt  County  Corre felon in possession of ammunition, manufacturing  of explosives,  possession  of a destructive  device,  and controlled  substances for  sale. At the  time  of t his remains  in custody. 

“ This  type  of criminal  activity has no place  in  our  community  or  society  and the disregard for  the safety of our  citizens  who were explosions  is  unacceptable. in the vicinity at the  time  of these These  were  not  annoying  firework  explosions. tolo wanton The  devices that were  built and detonated  had  the potential  to inflict serious  in would have  been  in  close  proximity  at the time of  the explosion. juries  to anyone that 

We have  reached  out to  our  Federal  Law  Enforcement partners for  assistance  in  this  investigation,  which could  include  the potential  for  federal  prosecution.