- Details
- By Darren Thompson
According to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer stopped a vehicle on State Route 96 for a broken windshield and then reported that the driver of the vehicle was not wearing a seatbelt and the vehicle’s lights were not operating properly. The HCSO stated in a press release on Sept. 17 that the driver failed to yield for a quarter of a mile and then fled on foot for approximately 200 yards before a violent confrontation occurred between the driver and the pursuing CHP officer.
Preliminary investigative reports done by the HCSO determined that the suspect did not have weapons, which are defined by the DOJ as “deadly,” in his possession when the CHP officer shot and killed him. The HCSO also released that the suspect had multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. The CHP officer involved in the shooting did not have a body-worn camera. The investigation of the incident is being led by the California Department of Justice (DOJ).
Hoopa Valley Tribal Chairman Joe Davis reportedly reached out to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (BIA-OJS) related to the shooting. Davis said in an email that he wants to ensure third-party oversight outside of the state of California.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all parties involved. From the very beginning, the Hoopa Valley Tribe has been coordinating with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Hoopa Tribal Police, CHP, the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office and the state Department of Justice to ensure that we do everything we can to get to the truth of what happened in downtown Hoopa on that tragic day,” Davis wrote in the email.
Whether the BIA-OJS has responded is unknown and because the incident is currently under investigation, little information will be made available until the investigation has concluded.
“The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the decedent and the Hoopa Valley Tribe during this difficult time,” the HCSO wrote in a press release on Monday, Sept. 18. “We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as this complex multi-agency investigation continues. The Sheriff’s office would also like to thank Tribal Chairman Joe Davis, the Hoopa Tribal Council, and the Hoopa Valley Tribal Police Department for their invaluable assistance during the initial investigation.”
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Yee Ha'ólníi Doo Receives $1 Million Boost to Expand Critical Home Repair Program for Navajo Families
Navajo Nation Launches $43M LeChee Water System Improvement Project
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.