Man Flees Deputies in Jeep, Strikes Another Vehicle, Rams a Locked Gate, and, Eventually, Is Located Hiding in Vegetation, Says HCSO

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:

Joshua Justice Hayes

On Oct. 21, 2021, at about 12:46 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on the 1400 block of Anderson Avenue in McKinleyville for the report of a domestic disturbance.

Upon arrival to the residence, one involved person, later identified as 50-year-old Joshua Justice Hayes, fled on foot from the residence. At approximately 2:50 p.m., deputies received information that Hayes had returned and was observed leaving the residence in a Black Jeep Rubicon.

Deputies attempted a traffic stop on the Jeep on Anderson Avenue. Hayes failed to yield the vehicle and fled at a high rate of speed. Deputies pursued the vehicle onto Highway 101 and then onto Highway 255. While in the Arcata area, Hayes’ vehicle struck another vehicle. The California Highway Patrol responded to conduct a vehicle collision investigation.

Due to weather conditions and speed, deputies lost sight of the vehicle in the Manila area. During a search of the area, deputies located the vehicle traveling on Victor Boulevard. Hayes again fled from deputies, driving the vehicle through a locked gate on the 300 block of Lupin Drive, then fleeing on foot into a wooded area. Hayes was located hiding in vegetation and was taken into custody without further incident.

Hayes was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of evading a peace officer (VC 2800.2), assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm (PC 245(a)(1)), resisting/obstructing a peace officer (PC 148(a)(1)), vandalism (PC 594(b)(1)) and defective windshield/rear window (VC 26710), in addition to warrant charges of evading a peace officer (VC 2800.2).

This case is still under investigation.

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.

Earlier: High Speed Pursuit Near Arcata