Humboldt Bay Fire responds to fire in front of Courthouse,

 

(Photos from video provided by Shannon Cortez)

I just had a reader call me about this white car fire in front of the Courthouse but I aso got video from Shannon Cortez who was driving by and filmed the guy who was in the middle of the road and was arrested by Eureka Police Department. I will post video on Facebook.

I have reached out to EPD and HCSO to confirm who was arrested. I know people are trying to be helpful on FB but I prefer to confirm directly before posting a name. 

9:36 p.m. Ashleigh Baclaan's tip turned out to be correct and I said I would give her the credit and I did here and on FB. Just confirmed with HCSO Lt. Jesse Taylor that 69 year old Stephen Paul Paiment was arrested for PC 374 illegal dumping and littering and PC 451 (d) arson and PC .  Bail is $25,000. As of Sunday morning, he is still in custody.

Eureka Police Department posted a brief statement on Facebook around the same time I spoke with Lt. Taylor. The press release issued on 8/27 has been added to this post.

8/24/25: When and if the DA files charges or if I can verify through other valid and legit sources that it is the same man arrested yesterday for arson, I will post more information I researched. 

Tomorrow, there is a high profile case, Wednesday another high profile case of more interest to many in the community and it is going to be another busy and stressful week. I am still updating from last week and have court minutes not available from last week to check in addition to this week's cases. Many cases in the next three days only I cover with challenges directed at me for covering them. I know my regular readers understand and will be patient.

EPD Press Release:

"On Saturday, August 23rd at approximately 7:51 pm, Eureka Police Department and Humboldt Bay Fire were dispatched to a vehicle on fire on the lawn of the Humboldt County Courthouse. A 69-year old male drove his white 4-door sedan onto the lawn in front of the Courthouse building on the 800 block of 5th Street and lit his vehicle on fire. The subject was arrested immediately. No one was injured. "

EPD Press Release (8/27/25):

On August 23, 2025, at approximately 7:51 pm, Eureka Police Department (EPD) officers and Humboldt Bay Fire personnel responded to the 800 block of 5th Street for a report of a vehicle fire on the front lawn of the Humboldt County Courthouse. 

Upon arrival, the first officer observed a white sedan fully engulfed in flames on the courthouse lawn. The officer recognized the vehicle from prior contacts and quickly located the registered owner, identified as Stephen Paiment, 69, of McKinleyville, standing in the intersection of 5th and I Streets acting erratically. 

Based on witness information that a male subject had intentionally set the fire, the officer detained Paiment without incident. The investigation determined that Paiment drove his vehicle onto the courthouse lawn, exited, and then reached back through the window to deliberately ignite the vehicle. Several witnesses positively identified Paiment as the individual responsible. 

Paiment was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for felony arson and littering. 

Paiment is known to local law enforcement and has been engaged in protests regarding an alleged useof-force incident. His vehicle and scattered papers at the scene contained writings related to those allegations, as well as statements opposing nuclear power. Investigators also believe Paiment is responsible for chalk messages recently written on the courthouse sidewalk. No injuries were reported. Damage was limited to Paiment’s vehicle and the courthouse lawn.