"Through increased patrol activity, strategic enforcement, and continued community engagement, HCSO will continue working to deter criminal activity, hold offenders accountable, and keep Humboldt County communities safe."

Over the course of a single 12-hour shift, deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) proactively conducted enforcement operations throughout Humboldt County, resulting in multiple arrests related to outstanding warrants, narcotics offenses, and other criminal activity. These actions reflect HCSO’s ongoing commitment to proactive policing strategies aimed at improving public safety and addressing crime in our communities.

On May 26, 2026, approximately 20 minutes into the shift, a patrol deputy assigned to the Eureka Main Station observed Michael Thomas Banyard (DOB 03/05/1991) walking near the intersection of Tydd Street and V Street in Eureka. Deputies determined Banyard had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was detained without incident, arrested, and subsequently booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF).

Shortly thereafter, deputies assigned to the Eureka Main Station conducted a foot patrol at a known transient encampment located behind Walgreens Pharmacy at 2525 Harris Street in Eureka. During the contact, deputies located Allen Walter Yochum (DOB 06/03/1964), who was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and used hypodermic needles that were in plain view. Deputies also learned Yochum was on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) for prior drug-related convictions and had absconded from supervision. In addition, Yochum had five outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the HCCF.

Later in the shift, patrol deputies assigned to the Hoopa Valley area were conducting proactive patrols near Pine Creek Road and River Road when they initiated a traffic stop for an observed traffic violation. Deputies contacted the driver, Gary Keith Parson (DOB 08/29/1975), who admitted to possessing methamphetamine. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of more than 30 grams of suspected methamphetamine (photo attached). Parson was arrested for possession of controlled substances and booked into the HCCF.

Moments later, additional deputies assigned to the Hoopa Valley area conducted a traffic stop in the 600 block of Tish Tang Road for another observed traffic violation. Deputies contacted multiple occupants inside the vehicle, including Terra Yvette Hescock (DOB 09/14/1983) and Jasmine Beatrice Faye Smith (DOB 09/07/1975). Deputies learned Smith was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. During the investigation, deputies observed drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. HCSO K9 Yahtzee was on scene and conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle, alerting deputies to the presence of narcotics. A subsequent vehicle search resulted in the discovery of additional drug paraphernalia and ammunition. Both subjects were arrested and booked into the HCCF on various charges.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its commitment to proactive, intelligence-led policing and targeted enforcement efforts designed to protect the public and improve quality of life throughout Humboldt County. Through increased patrol activity, strategic enforcement, and continued community engagement, HCSO will continue working to deter criminal activity, hold offenders accountable, and keep Humboldt County communities safe.