20 year old Bear River man did donuts to prevent alleged victims from leaving

On April 2, 2023, at about 5 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Brenard Road in Loleta for the report of an assault with a vehicle.

Deputies contacted two adult victims, a male and a female, one of which reported minor to moderate injuries as a result of the assault. The victims told deputies that the suspect, 20-year-old Billy Joe Robinson Jr., was in a dating relationship with the female victim. The female victim and Robinson were reportedly involved in an altercation earlier that evening at a nearby residence. The two victims left the residence in a vehicle and while attempting to leave, Robinson reportedly blocked the roadway by performing “donuts” with his vehicle. The victims exited their vehicle in an attempt to speak with Robinson. At this point, Robinson reportedly struck the victims with his vehicle then fled the area.

Robinson was located by Fortuna Police Department officers in the area of  9th and J Streets in Fortuna and was arrested without incident.

Robinson was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of hit and run with injury (VC 20001(a)), assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm (PC 245(a)(1)) and battery against a spouse (PC 243(e)(1)).