Sheriff's office investigating possible assault of hiker found with lacerations near Petrolia – Times-Standard

The following is a press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office:

On 06/25/2024, at approximately 12:00 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to Jerold Phelps Hospital in Garberville for a possible assault victim.

Upon arrival, the investigator made contact with a 34-year-old man who had sustained laceration type injuries to his arms and upper body. The injured person had been located on the Lost Coast Trail near the Petrolia area by a group of hikers who had called for assistance. Due to his isolated location, the individual was airlifted to hospital for treatment. During interviews with the individual, he advised officers that he believed he had been assaulted by an unknown person or persons, but did not recall how his injuries were sustained.

Although this case is still under investigation, no information has been obtained so far that would indicate an ongoing risk to the population in this area.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff's Office Crime Tip Line at (707) 268-2539.

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