Wanted Fugitive Located and Arrested; HCSO Gives Details on Arrest of Man Wanted for Animal Cruelty

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:

On Nov. 3 at about 10 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies were dispatched to the 200 block of Orchard Ln. near Fortuna after an anonymous tip was given that there was a possible sighting of wanted fugitive Joseph LaRue, age 38 of Redway.

HCSO coordinated a plan with the Fortuna Police Department (FPD) to apprehend LaRue, who had previously fled from law enforcement on two recent occasions. LaRue was wanted on charges of domestic violence, resisting arrest, child endangerment, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and threats to commit a crime resulting in death or injury to another person.

Upon contact with law enforcement, LaRue attempted to flee through the rear of the residence and a neighboring yard, requiring the deployment of a PepperBall—a non-lethal compliance tool. LaRue was eventually located and apprehended; at this point, he was searched and found to be carrying more than 5g of methamphetamine.

Further investigation of the scene revealed that LaRue and his significant other, Katina Baker, were in possession of a stolen vehicle. A search of the stolen vehicle further revealed more stolen property, including 12 firearms.

LaRue was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for the following charges:

• Possession of Methamphetamine While Armed (H&S 11370.1(a))
• Felon in Possession of Firearms (PC 29800)
• Possession of Stolen Vehicle (PC 496D(a))
• Possession of Ammunition by a Felon (PC 30305(a))
• Possession of Stolen Property (PC 496(a))
• Resisting Arrest (PC 148(a)(1))
• Possession of Methamphetamine (H&S 11377(a))

Baker was cited and released on scene for Possession of Stolen Vehicle (PC 496D(a)).

HCSO would like to thank the public as well as assisting agencies who contributed to this successful fugitive apprehension, including Fortuna Police Department, Cal FIRE, and California Highway Patrol.

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.

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Earlier:

• Oregon Law Enforcement Seeks Humboldt County Couple After 13 Starving Dogs, Dead Horse and Rabbit Found
• Law Enforcement Gathering in South Redway
• Manhunt Following Domestic Dispute in Redway Is For Accused Animal Abuser in Well-Known Oregon Case
• Suspect in Felony Animal Abuse Case Still Sought in Redway This Afternoon
• Alleged Animal Abuser Evades Capture in Eureka; Woman Arrested on Multiple Charges
• Breaking: HCSO Aided by Fortuna Police Capture Suspected Animal Abuser Wanted on Multiple Other Charges