HCSO arrests Aaron Pole for arson, assault and warrant for failure to appear

On August 8, 2026, at approximately 5:07 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 1900 block of Pine Creek Road in Hoopa for a report of a physical altercation between two male subjects.

Upon arrival, deputies intervened in the altercation and detained 52-year-old Hoopa resident Aaron James Pole.

According to witness statements, Pole had arrived at the residence and refused to leave the property. Prior to the altercation, witnesses reported seeing Pole near the Hoopa Rodeo Grounds and the river bar, where a small vegetation fire was burning. Witnesses reported that Pole was attempting to accelerate the spread of the fire with his hands.

The fire was quickly extinguished by the Karuk Fire Department, which had been staged at the Hoopa Wildland Fire Department, while Hoopa Wildland Fire personnel were actively engaged in firefighting operations on the Milepost 18 Fire.

Based on witness statements and evidence collected during the investigation, Pole was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility, where he was booked on the following charges:

P.C. 451(d)-Arson

P.C. 148(a)(1)-Obstruct/Resist Peace Officer

P.C. 240-Assault

P.C. 978.5 – Bench Warrant/Failure to Appear