I was correct about Chris Slocum being the Flamingo motel suspect

 

5:41 p.m. I was correct. Eureka Police Department just issued a press release.

Christopher Michael Slocum was booked into the Humboldt County jail for PC 451(b) arson, PC 69 resisting an executive officer and PC 1203.2 (a) probation violation.

Posted this on Facebook earlier.

"I am waiting for Eureka Police Department to issue an official press release on the Flamingo Motel situation on Broadway. 

I may know who the suspect is but I am not going to release the name until Eureka Police Department. Keep the initials CMS in mind if I am correct. As I suspected, it is a repeat offender."

There is an Arcata Police Department press release from 2018 you can google. In that press release Slocum is listed as a resident of Indiana. On October 6, 2025, Slocum, who now resides in Eureka was for PC 148(a)(1) resisting arrest and PC 647 (f) public intoxication  and goven an arraignment date of 11/17/25 when he was released from jail.

EPD Press Release (10/9/25):

On October 9, 2025, at approximately 10:55 a.m., a Eureka Police Department Community Safety Engagement Team (CSET) Officer responded to the Flamingo Motel, located in the 4200 block of Broadway, for an Agency Assist. 

The report indicated that a male subject was in an altered state and actively damaging property. A Patrol Officer also responded to assist. 

Upon arrival, officers observed the male—later identified as 52-year-old Christopher Slocum of Eureka—actively setting fire to items inside his apartment. During the encounter, Slocum threw an object at officers, striking one. He retreated into the apartment, shut the door, and attempted to ignite additional items. 

Due to the dangerous and escalating nature of the situation, additional resources were requested, including additional Patrol and CSET Officers, the Crisis Alternative Response of Eureka (CARE), Humboldt Bay Fire (HBF), and City Ambulance. 

Upon their arrival, Slocum barricaded himself inside the bathroom. Although the fire appeared to have been extinguished, smoke and powder from a deployed fire extinguisher remained present. To aid visibility and facilitate potential entry, windows were opened and HBF personnel deployed water into the room. Officers, including members of the county-wide Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT), made multiple attempts to communicate with Slocum and gain his voluntary compliance. Despite ongoing negotiation efforts, Slocum refused to cooperate and remained barricaded. 

After more than two hours of failed negotiations, officers deployed a chemical agent into the bathroom. The agent was ineffective, and Slocum continued to resist surrender. Officers ultimately made entry into the bathroom and took Slocum into custody. Following his arrest, Slocum was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance. While at the hospital, he assaulted medical personnel by spitting on staff. 

Slocum was subsequently booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for arson, felony resisting a peace officer, and violation of probation. Additional charges are being requested for assault on medical staff. 

No other victims were involved in this incident aside from the officer who was struck during the initial response and the medical staff who were assaulted. The Eureka Police Department thanks all partner agencies for their support in resolving this incident safely and professionally.