EPD and Humboldt Fire near Humboldt library to shots fired call

 

(Photo: John Chiv)

(Photo: John Chiv)

Eureka Police Department and Humboldt Bay Fire are near the Humboldt Library. A few readers have contacted me for more details. This is an active scene and I will let EPD do their job first and update more later as official information is released.

It was law enforcement responding to a shots fired call. As for other details including initial accounts of potential suspects or any associatedvehicle, I am going to wait because the investigation is ongoing.

This is an officer involved shooting and crime scene area is closed to the public for the remainder of the day.

11 a.m: A HCSO vehicle with HCSO Deputy Frankie Rojas is at the library. Crime scene tape around the library. Public should stay away from the secured area.

11:14a.m : EPD Assistant Chief Brian Stephens told me, "No information will be released at the scene. All releases at this time will be through social media. Thanks for your understanding."

I chose not to respond to the scene right away for many reasons. After years of covering court and crime, including in Humboldt, one has to use judgement case by case, incident by incident, especially in a serious shooting. That is in the best interest for everyone involved including the police and everyone's safety. Not everything has to be reported live or from unofficial eye accounts. If media knows there is no danger to the public from official sources, if there are alleged suspects on the loose and people are checking official law enforcement social media accounts, sometimes it is best and allow law enforcement to do their job gathering evidence and provide more accurate and complete information.

Some people in a house directly across from library were unfazed, taking their dogs out for a walk. If there had been no crime scene tape, it would not look any different than any other day on 3rd street.

EPD initial social media post:

 "Eureka Police Department is investigating an officer involved shooting and currently has west of P Street between 2nd and 3rd closed."

Please remain clear of the area, there is no danger to the public.  Anticipate the area being closed to the public for the remainder of the day.   Updates will be posted as they become available.