Arcata Man, 65, Charged With Possessing About 12.5 Grams of Methamphetamine
Radar image and evidence allegedly found at the scene. {Image from EPD]
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 unless proven guilty:
On April 29, 2026, at approximately 1:00 p.m., an officer with the Eureka Police Department (EPD) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding near the intersection of I and Buhne Streets. The driver was identified as Ernest Rocha, a 65-year-old Arcata resident.
A records check revealed that Rocha was on probation. During a subsequent search of the vehicle conducted pursuant to his probation terms, officers located approximately 12.5 grams of methamphetamine, along with pepper spray and bear spray.
Rocha was taken into custody and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of possession of a controlled substance for sale, transportation of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of pepper spray, and violation of probation.
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Could be he mearly found the drug and was taking it to the police station when apprehended.
IMHO:
Probably ‘OBL’. (*)
(*) Out by lunch.
What a great combo! Meth, bear spray & pepper spray…he’s all set to…ummm not really sure!
Is there a local store that carries this perfect lil package! Gotta get one…
It was for speeding. Makes sense. That shoots down the adage, “Rochas are beyond reproacha”.
There must be humor in the air… May day!
Funny comments above.
My first reaction to the headline was “Well…being this guy’s senior…maybe, at his age, he needed it!😀”
The article itself made me laugh. He was at Buhne Street, which I always think of as being near the hospital – doctors offices. Fitting place for a senior…
It did make me wonder for what he was on probation. Whether for drugs or something else.
Doooood. You’re 65 and amped. You need to switch to decaf drugs. Like weed. Also, you’re part of the reason why there’s chatter about putting roundabouts in on H and I or speed humps. Or more lights.