On July 31, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 101 near the Indianola Cutoff for a vehicle code violation. This traffic stop led to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of a substantial quantity of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine, underscoring HCSO’s commitment to combating the opioid crisis in Humboldt County.

Deputies identified the driver as Aaron Gore Stott, 46, of McKinleyville, a known suspect in multiple recent narcotics investigations. These investigations include two separate narcotics-related warrants served at his residence, leading to the arrest of multiple narcotics offenders.

The passenger was identified as Andreas Sala McDaniel, 65, of Eureka. During the stop, deputies observed a clear plastic baggie containing suspected fentanyl on Stott’s person, prompting his immediate detention.

An HCSO K9 handler and his partner, Yahtzee, were on scene shortly after the traffic stop was initiated. K9 Yahtzee was deployed and alerted to the presence of narcotics within the vehicle, leading to a search that uncovered approximately 76 grams of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with a digital scale, drug paraphernalia, and a stun gun.

Stott and McDaniel were arrested and transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where they were booked on multiple charges, including:

• Transportation or sale of controlled substances— HS 11352(a)
• Possession for sale of methamphetamine— HS 11378
• Transportation for sale of controlled substances— HS 11379(a)
• Unlawful sale or furnishing of controlled substances— HS 11395
• Unlawful possession of a stun gun by a felon or addict— PC 22610
• Felony committed while released on bail or own recognizance— PC 12022.1

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its efforts to disrupt the distribution of illicit narcotics, particularly fentanyl, which poses a severe threat to public safety. HCSO notes that under current California law, possession of fentanyl is often classified as a “non-violent” offense, which can result in repeat offenders being released from jail by Superior Court Judges to appear in court at a future date and time. The Sheriff’s Office encourages community members to stay informed about the dangers of fentanyl and to support efforts to strengthen public safety measures.

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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K-9 Yahtzee with seized narcotics and paraphernalia | Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office