Fortuna Man Arrested for Photographing Child

UPDATE, JULY 11: No charges filed yet.

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Fortuna Police Dept. Press Release:

FORTUNA, CA – The Fortuna Police Department received a report of a male subject taking photographs of a four year old female near an apartment complex located in the 1000 block of Loni Drive (Fortuna). Officers responded and contacted the four year old as well as the possible suspect, who both reside in the area.

With the assistance of the Humboldt County Child Abuse Services Team (CAST), the department developed probable cause for the arrest of subject, Phoenix Runningwolf (21) of Fortuna.

On June 18, 2012, officers obtained a search warrant for a residence located in the 1000 block of Loni Drive (Fortuna).

At about 8:00 pm, Officers with the Fortuna Police Department and an investigator from the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office responded and executed the warrant.

While on scene, officers took Runningwolf into custody. Runningwolf was then booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on the following charges:

– Penal Code Section 288.3
Communicate with minor for purpose of committing a sex crime.

– Penal Code Section 288.4(a)(1)
Meet with minor for purpose of having child expose genitals.

– Penal Code Section 647.6
Annoy or molest a minor.