River Standoff in Willow Creek Ends After Suspect Distracted by Bean Bags

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 guilty proven guilty:

On July 6, 2026, at approximately 12:16 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a physical assault in the 2300 block of State Highway 96 at the Big Rock Day Use Area in Willow Creek.

While deputies were en route, the Humboldt County Emergency Communications Center received updated information indicating that a male suspect had physically assaulted a male victim near the boat launch.

Upon arrival, deputies contacted the victim and a witness, who reported that the suspect had choked the victim and thrown an ice chest at him. The suspect was identified as 37-year-old Jason Nathaniel Clark of Willow Creek.

Clark, who was known to law enforcement due to prior violent and assaultive behavior toward law enforcement, fled into the Trinity River and climbed onto a large rock in the middle of the river. He refused deputies’ repeated commands to return to shore and surrender. During the incident, Clark made statements threatening to drown deputies if they attempted to approach him.

Additional Sheriff’s deputies, including members of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Special Services Division Swiftwater Rescue Team, responded to assist, along with officers from the California Highway Patrol. As Clark’s behavior became increasingly erratic, and he continued to ignore lawful commands, CHP officers deployed less-lethal force using a beanbag shotgun in an effort to gain compliance. While Clark was distracted, members of the Sheriff’s Office Swiftwater Rescue Team safely approached and took him into custody without further incident.

Clark was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility, where he was booked on the following charges:

PC 245(a)(1) – Assault with a Deadly Weapon
PC 69(a) – Resisting or Obstructing an Executive Officer
PC 12022.1 – Commission of a Felony While Released on Bail
No serious injuries were reported during the incident.

At the time of his arrest, Clark was out on bail in connection with a separate case involving the assault of a law enforcement officer.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to the California Highway Patrol for their assistance in this case.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Crime Tip Line at (707) 268-2539.

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