McKinleyville Woman’s Kidnapping Story Contradicted by Surveillance Video

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On June 23, 2026, at approximately 1:39 p.m., deputies with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 2200 block of Williams Court in McKinleyville to contact a female who reported she had been kidnapped by two male subjects earlier that day.

While deputies were en route, dispatch advised that the reported kidnapping had allegedly occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. at an unspecified location on Central Avenue in McKinleyville. The reporting party stated that she had been threatened by the two subjects, forced to enter a business on Central Avenue, and forced to steal merchandise.

Deputies contacted the reporting party at her residence while additional deputies searched the area for the two male subjects. Despite an extensive search, deputies were unable to locate anyone matching the descriptions provided.

As part of the investigation, deputies interviewed witnesses and reviewed surveillance footage from the business. Based on witness statements and video evidence, deputies determined that the reported kidnapping did not occur as described. The investigation found no evidence to substantiate the allegations made by the reporting party.

The investigation has been completed, and no evidence was discovered to support the reported kidnapping.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251.