Injured Hiker Investigation

On 6/25/2024, at about 12:00 pm, Humboldt County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Jerold Phelps Hospital in Garberville for a possible assault victim.

Upon arrival, the investigating deputy made contact with a 34-year-old male who had sustained laceration type injuries to his arms and upper body. The injured party had been located on the Lost Coast Trail near the Petrolia area by a group of hikers who had summoned assistance. Due to the remote location, the subject was airlifted to the hospital for treatment. Through interviews with the subject, he informed deputies that he believed he had been assaulted by an unknown person(s) but had no recollection of how his injuries were sustained.

While this case is still under investigation, there has been no information obtained thus far that would indicate any on-going risk to the public in this area.

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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