Man Arrested for Arson; He Allegedly Attempted to Set Home on Fire After Barricading Residents Inside

This is a press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:

Michael Jay MerrimanOn June 23, 2018, at about 9:50 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in the area of Orchard Way and Boy Scout Camp Road in Myers Flat for the report of a male subject intentionally setting a residence on fire while occupants were inside.

When deputies arrived on scene, they found burned objects still smoldering outside of the residence. Deputies learned that 66-year-old Michael Jay Merriman was known to the occupants and had approached them that night inviting them to join him at his residence nearby. When the occupants declined the invitation, Merriman reportedly became angry and began threatening them. Merriman then reportedly barricaded the door to the residence, trapping the occupants inside, and attempted to light the residence on fire. The occupants were able to escape and suppress the fire using a garden hose.

Personnel with the Myers Flat Volunteer Fire Department and Cal Fire arrived on scene to ensure the fire was extinguished and the residence was safe.

Merriman was later located at a nearby residence and taken into custody without incident. Merriman was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of arson of an inhabited structure, false imprisonment and threats to commit a crime.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

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26 Comments
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In yo face
Guest
In yo face
5 years ago

Myers flat is where its (meth) at!

unbridled philistine
Guest
unbridled philistine
5 years ago
Reply to  In yo face

IDK? He still looks drunk to me!

Get some
Guest
Get some
5 years ago
Reply to  In yo face

Spot on meth, and heroine are ruining these northern Cali communities.

*Watch Out For The Addicts Web*
Guest
*Watch Out For The Addicts Web*
5 years ago
Reply to  Get some

Yes, this is a very terrible situation for all of us. It’s bad enough for the people that are using the drugs and alcohol everyday, but the cost of the collateral damage they inflict to their family, neighbors, and the general public is staggering!

I was hit head on by a drunk driver years ago and was lucky to survive. I never made it all the way back physically or monetarily. I was recently overcome by meth lab chemical fumes and passed out and had a fall. I’m trying to work my way back from a concussion, brain bleed, and whiplash. Life can become challenging for people that get caught up in the addicts web.

These two events both could have cost me my life. It has cost thousands of dollar to recover and it isn’t over yet! Sorry, I have very little empathy left for the addicts!

I’m trying to stay positive and accept that there was something else I’m suppose to do on the planet, before I check out! If I could only think of what that might be. I feel very sorry for people that have lost there short term memory. I hope I get mine back. Did I already have lunch? Did I pay that bill?

here for a reason
Guest
here for a reason
5 years ago

You’re here for a reason and I hope you find all the strength you need to carry on!

Dan Fuller
Guest
Dan Fuller
5 years ago

This guy seems to a candidate for a LONG stay in the Rubber Room!!! 5150 at best!!!! One wonders why Attempted Murder isn’t among the charges against him???!!!

gunther
Guest
gunther
5 years ago
Reply to  Dan Fuller

Good question. They didn’t die but it seems he was trying real hard.

Willy
Guest
Willy
5 years ago

Maybe next time accept the dinner invite ?

Mobius Dancer
Guest
Mobius Dancer
5 years ago
Reply to  Willy

That is a “blame the victim” quip. There might have been a GOOD REASON they didn’t want to socialize with him.
Possibly because he’s the sort that locks you in your home and starts a fire at the door…

Willy
Guest
Willy
5 years ago
Reply to  Mobius Dancer

Duh

MISCONCEPTION
Guest
MISCONCEPTION
5 years ago
Reply to  Willy

Sarcasm

Willy
Guest
Willy
5 years ago
Reply to  MISCONCEPTION

Yes

Mobius Dancer
Guest
Mobius Dancer
5 years ago
Reply to  MISCONCEPTION

Couldn’t hear the tone of voice…
And it still stinks of victim blaming.

Willy
Guest
Willy
5 years ago
Reply to  Mobius Dancer

Too sensitive and paranoid. You need to get out more.

Mike
Guest
Mike
5 years ago
Reply to  Willy

It’s got so bad that sometimes I can’t even tell when I’m being sarcastic.

Buster
Guest
Buster
5 years ago

“charges of arson of an inhabited structure, false imprisonment and threats to commit a crime.”

Seems to me that it should be more like attempted murder.

farce
Guest
farce
5 years ago
Reply to  Buster

Don’t worry about the charges. Humboldt DA will drop it to a misdemeanor and probation.

Guest
Guest
5 years ago

mental disorder much??

Get some
Guest
Get some
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

Mental meth

Oh the sadness
Guest
Oh the sadness
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

The DA?

Mogtx
Guest
5 years ago

That’s what happens to your brain when you don’t sleep for a year

Sparklemahn
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Mogtx

Remind me never to do that, then.

I like stars
Guest
I like stars
5 years ago

Best mugshot mustache I can recall.

John
Guest
John
5 years ago

I notice it’s a lot more of these decrepit Baby Boomers who’re committing a lot of these idiocies. I’m one (a decrepit Baby Boomer, that is), so I can say that.

Dirty Off grid sohum livin
Guest
Dirty Off grid sohum livin
5 years ago

Some folks burn and some folks bury. Fire is a great way to get rid of trash real quick!

D
Guest
D
5 years ago

Pretty sure that multiple attempted homicide charges.