Man Arrested for Homicide Yesterday

At approximately 6:13 p.m. yesterday, Eureka Police arrested Gary Joel Cudney, a 61-year-old Eureka man, after he allegedly struck a man near Winco with his vehicle. The victim was transported to the hospital but later died. Cudney was arrested on Penal Code 191.5–“Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated… .” Bail was set at $100,000.

UPDATE 1:26 p.m.:

This is a press release from the Eureka Police Department. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:

Gary Joel CudneyOn 12-14-2017 at about 5:51 pm, officers of the Eureka Police Department were dispatched to the 600 block of W. Harris Street for a vehicle versus pedestrian injury traffic collision.

The pedestrian was transported by City Ambulance to St. Joseph’s Hospital for treatment of his injuries and died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The driver of the involved vehicle, identified as Gary Joel Cudney (61 years old of Eureka), was contacted and exhibited objective signs of being under the influence.

As a result of the investigation, Cudney was taken into custody and booked on charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. He is being held on $100,000 bail.

The pedestrian’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Humboldt County Coroner’s office.

This is an ongoing investigation and any further details will be released when they are available. Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Officer Linfoot at 707-441-4060.

UPDATE 8:32 p.m.: Much Loved Local Biker Identified as Victim of Last Night’s Fatal Accident in Eureka

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Taurus Ballzhoff
Guest
Taurus Ballzhoff
6 years ago

And the beat goes on, among the drug-addicted, mostly-intoxicated, and incredibly violent folks of Eureka, or, Drunkreka, as it has become known… Nice going, and I for one am always happy to escape from the big town in one piece! (and its sister town, Drunktuna…)

Dan Fuller
Guest
Dan Fuller
6 years ago

I thought it was Youtweeka, not Drunkreka, but now that I think about it… sure why not there’s room for both!!!

Double speak outside of cheek
Guest
Double speak outside of cheek
6 years ago

Dave Davis, the victim, was a wonderful man. He did a lot for the kids of this community and was well known and loved for years in the “biker” community. You could always see him walking around town with his steady gait and walking stick. He deserved better than this. You will not be forgotten Dirty Dave aka Laughing Dave. You will be missed. Will this DUI piece of shit be held accountable? It’s Humboldt County. Who knows.

Veterans Friend
Guest
Veterans Friend
6 years ago

Oh my god…I loved him and was a friend for more than 30 years…this is horrible.

Jim Brickley
Guest
Jim Brickley
6 years ago

I remember ‘Dirty Dave’ from numerous poker runs, ‘Toy’s for Tot’s’, Redwood Run and Fryed Bro’s parties. Even without a bike he always showed up, ready to lend a hand. He was the Real Deal and will be sorely missed. How fuckin drunk do you have to be, to run someone over in a Winco parking lot! Hope they throw the book at this dick weed!

Dinah
Guest
Dinah
6 years ago
Reply to  Jim Brickley

He was everywhere motorcycles went. Always with a great smile and a camera. He was the biker’s historian, with albums filled with all of us, at every event. I was thinking of him Sunday at the Sohum toy run. His death leaves an unfillable void in our community. RIP Dave. You will be missed

Just Me
Guest
Just Me
6 years ago
Reply to  Dinah

Such a wonderful person. Always glad to see you with a smile and a laugh and a hug! And the historian, OMG, he had a record of every biker function, ever! All the Pamplin Grove posters. I remember a few years back, Christmas day, sitting on his front porch going through those albums… The void will be immeasurable! RIP Dave……

Solo
Guest
Solo
6 years ago
Reply to  Jim Brickley

Wasn’t in the parking lot dave got hit crossing Harris from the winco parking lot.

Jackie
Guest
Jackie
6 years ago

Did he live by highland park.

Darla
Guest
Darla
6 years ago
Reply to  Jackie

Yes he did…so sad

OBJ
Guest
OBJ
6 years ago
Reply to  Jackie

one in the same jackie. OBJ

Renaissance1
Guest
Renaissance1
6 years ago

More than likely he won’t be held accountable in Humboldt County, never are.

Solo
Guest
Solo
6 years ago

I walked out of winco last night and seen this he was awake and talking to the medics and they drove off with out a code 3. Sorry for the families loss

Bushytails
Guest
Bushytails
6 years ago

See this? This is why I have no sympathy for the idiot who landed himself in the hospital a few days ago. Drunk drivers all too often kill others, and we should be thankful when they only harm themselves, rather than feeling sorry for them.

mj inabnit
Guest
mj inabnit
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Thank you Kym

regards
j

Sparklemahn
Guest
Sparklemahn
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Excellent, Kym. “Love: reign over me!”

Bushytails
Guest
Bushytails
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Your (collective, not you personally) empathy is part of why this problem isn’t being solved. Drunk driving needs to stop being cool, and start being the type of thing you lose friends over. Every time you act like it’s a minor problem (or worse, not a problem at all), you become part of the problem. Drunk drivers need to be treated like child molesters (or, you know, like the serial attempted murderers they are), and not shown any sympathy whatsoever.

Carol gibson
Guest
Carol gibson
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

When I was 12 years old my father was killed at the age of 34 by a drunk driver. He was a repeat offender and I never wished anything on his family. I wanted him to know the devistation he caused to our family. My Mom was 30 and had to raise three kids on her own. That was his fault!!! I prayed this was a turning point in his life. He basically got a slap on the wrist and his license was suspended for a year. (This was in the 60’s). He not only killed my dad, but he took from me so many important memories I would have had if he had lived; like the memory of walking me down the isle when I got married, our Father/daughter dance at my wedding. Driving drunk is a choice, and a very bad one at that!!!😤

I have known Dave since the early 70’s. He was a good man, you couldn’t find anyone more compassionate and giving than he was. My heart breaks for the loss of this wonderful soul 💔

Robert
Guest
Robert
6 years ago

Both were victims: the gentleman whose life was ended, and the driver who was a victim of his addiction and demons. We all have family and friends who this could easily happen to, on both sides. We need to come together to solve these problems, make action to change the lives of Everyone who live in our beautiful community.

Really
Guest
Really
6 years ago
Reply to  Robert

Don’t forget that the community is a victim as well. If we choose to allow those with demons run freely about us with 0% culpability, then we are victims too.

J Dubbs
Guest
J Dubbs
6 years ago
Reply to  Really

Hey man, we’re all victims of something, dammit! I just found out today that I’m a victim too, and I didn’t even know it. How awesome is that?!? It’s really not our fault, it’s it’s it’s like the substance’s fault for god sakes.. This is going to help me get through life’s ups and downs… *sigh of relief*

Buzzardsnest
Guest
Buzzardsnest
6 years ago
Reply to  J Dubbs

Sweet. Time for me to fall off the sober wagon! Im a victim too god damit. Im gonna blam others for my drinking. Here goes….merry fukn Christmas kids… hheeerrreesss Jhonny!

Hillbilly
Guest
Hillbilly
6 years ago

Dirty Dave I love and miss you my brother. You finally riding again. Enjoy the wind in your face. Until we meet again.

Freebird
Guest
Freebird
6 years ago

I have known Dave now for over 25 years, I gave him a ride in a side car when I had one, he just loved it. Dave always had a kind word and a gentle heart. And on the other side of the coin the guy who hit him goes to the same church as I do. I don’t know him personally, but from what I gather , he has a drinking problem. Time to wake up. Make drunk drivers bail out just like any other perp who is charged with a deadly weapon.

Mike Jameson
Guest
Mike Jameson
6 years ago
Reply to  Freebird

Dave dropped off a Christmas card to me right before this happened, and walked off to Winco..he got me to ride my bike on days I didn’t feel like it..always encouraging folks to get out and ride….I talked to him every few days and he was so happy to get that sidecar ride…I can’t believe this..the world’s a sadder place without Dirty Dave in it…

Gazoo
Guest
Gazoo
6 years ago

Rest In Peace biker buddy.

Darwin Mazur
Guest
Darwin Mazur
6 years ago

Love you Brother.
“Stop smiling, or the sun will come out!”
Happy Trails…
Wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Just be yourself!

Itsame
Guest
Itsame
6 years ago

My fav from Dave always way. Don’t you smile, don’t laugh either. Did you know it’s a misdemeanor for smiling and a felony for laughing. Don’t you do it. Oh god did we lose a great man by a dumbass who decided to drink and drive. I know you riding up in the sky watching down on all that you love and all the many lives you have touched. Trust and believe you will not be forgotten. ❤️

#madd
Guest
#madd
6 years ago

I’m sorry Dave died this way. Charges are not accurate. Unless u live under a rock it is common knowledge operating a vehicle impaired by alcohol kills people. If more were charged with murder 1 maybe folks wouldn’t just say no big deal & drive drunk. Too many are dead and families /lives have been ruined from drunks behind the wheel.

Bushytails
Guest
Bushytails
6 years ago
Reply to  #madd

I figure drunk driving is like standing in the middle of town, taking your rifle, closing your eyes, spinning in a circle, and pulling the trigger. 99% of the time you get lucky, and 1% of the time you kill an innocent person. If someone did this with a firearm, just about everyone would think they should be tossed in jail for a long long time… but if you do it with a vehicle, your buddies are somehow OK with it, and even if the law finds out, the punishment is minimal.

#madd
Guest
#madd
6 years ago
Reply to  Bushytails

Good analogy .

Steve c
Guest
Steve c
6 years ago
Reply to  Bushytails

Love this analogy

J Dubbs
Guest
J Dubbs
6 years ago

In all seriousness, how the hell does this keep happening with all we know about the dangers of drunken driving. This guy has probably been doing this for quite some time and always managed to keep it between the lines and not hit anyone…until now. That ONE time you don’t pay attention is when a guy crosses the street thinking you’ll see him in time and stop but you don’t, too late, you feel something bump and realize you hit someone (or a “deer”, right Marci?) and at that moment you’re saying did I just hit someone and you know your life may be forever fkd. Only then do you think about the poor walker you hit…and I bet even then you’re wondering how bad the victim is not for his sake but for your own as this will affect your punishment so you’re hoping he doesn’t die. Then when you’re downtown in the holding cell and the cop comes over and informs you the guy died, it dons on you that you killed someone and suddenly you want to switch positions and you wish you were dead

THE CAPPA FAMILY
Guest
THE CAPPA FAMILY
6 years ago

So sad to hear. We John and patty CAPPA LOVE AND WILL MISS HIM.
But so glad to see our logo on his vest.the Firefighters logo for fallen Brothers.
As it says.ALWAYS LOVED NEVER FORGOTTEN.
RIP. Our Friend and Brother. HA81 Ride Free in the wind.

T
Guest
T
6 years ago

Dave was very gentle and good hearted. He told me and my friend why he could not ride anymore and could not get a license. He had a medical condition that made the DMV revoke his license permanently. He did not drive anyway, like this apparently intoxicated guy did that killed him. Dave did the right thing and this guy apparently did not. Gonna miss those great smiley conversations at parties and runs. He was an uplifting presence. Here is a picture from the United Bikers Humboldt County website which he was a major part of.

whitney Brady
Guest
whitney Brady
6 years ago
Reply to  T

Dave lived right around the corner from us. He always stopped by to visit and let us know of the different events coming up.. He will be missed by my family

OBJ
Guest
OBJ
6 years ago
Reply to  T

Dave Rides Free In Valhalla

OBJ
Guest
OBJ
6 years ago

Dirty Dave Rides Free Now in VALHALLA

Kimberly Davis
Guest
Kimberly Davis
6 years ago

This is Kim. I’m Dave Davis’s daughter in law. Trust me that his family is trying to get the best and most justice as we can. Too bad that this great man was taken way to soon by the rat bastard. The worst part is that he was making a surprise trip up to meet his only grandson for the first time. Happy trails pops. U r greatly missed. Luv u