Driver Flees Deputies, Found with Loaded Shotgun and Drugs; Passenger Also Armed

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 unless proven guilty:

Anaiah Amber Smith [2023 Booking photo provided by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office]

On June 5, 2026, at approximately 3:05 a.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputy assigned to the Hoopa Saturation Patrol conducted a traffic stop for a stop sign violation at the intersection of Tish Tang Road and State Highway 96 in Hoopa. Upon contacting the driver of the vehicle, the deputy observed a loaded firearm magazine inside the vehicle.

The driver failed to cooperate with the deputy and drove away. A brief vehicle pursuit ensued, and the vehicle eventually yielded on Tish Tang Rd. Once additional deputies arrived on scene, the occupants of the vehicle surrendered without further incident.

A Sheriff’s K9 was deployed and alerted to the presence of narcotics within the vehicle.  A subsequent search resulted in the discovery of suspected narcotics, drug paraphernalia, and additional ammunition.

Deputies also located a loaded 12-gauge shotgun inside the vehicle. During the investigation, a loaded Glock pistol was found in the possession of the vehicle’s passenger.

The passenger, identified as 26-year-old Anaiah Amber Smith of Hoopa, cooperated with the investigation and was cited and released at the scene.

Timothy Robert Ulrich Jr. [Booking photo from 2022]

The driver was identified as 34-year-old Timothy Robert Ulrich, Jr. of Hoopa.  He was arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the following charges:

• PC 29800(a)(1) Felon/Addict in possession of a firearm
• PC 30305(a)(1) Prohibited person own/possess ammunition
• PC 148(a)(1) Obstruct/resist peace officer
• PC 12022.1 Commission of a felony while out on bail
• HS 11370.1(a) Possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm
• HS 11377(a) Possession of a controlled substance
• VC 2800.1 Evading a peace officer

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to proactive patrol operations within the Hoopa area. These efforts are strategic and directly address community concerns regarding ongoing criminal activity impacting the Hoopa Valley. We will continue to strengthen and support our partnership with the Hoopa Tribal Community as we work collaboratively to enhance public safety and protect residents throughout the valley.

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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