On Feb. 19, 2026, at 12:24 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff deputies were dispatched to the 2600 block of Central Ave. in McKinleyville to meet with a victim reporting a physical assault. Upon arrival, deputies contacted a 20 -year-old male victim who reported that while visiting an apartment on Larissa Circle, he was physically assaulted, threatened, and prevented from leaving by the apartment two individuals.  The victim was able to flee the apartment and seek assistance.

Deputies observed injuries consistent with the reported assault. Emergency medical services responded and transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspects were identified as 22-year-old Catalina Faith Meng of McKinleyville and 19-year-old Eric Nelson of Scotia. Based upon the victim’s statements and corroborating physical evidence, deputies arrested Meng and Nelson. Both were transported to the Humboldt County Correctional facility and booked on the following charges:

Meng

PC 236: False imprisonment w/ violence

PC 273.5(a): Inflict corporal injury on spouse/co-habitant/dating relationship 

PC 243(d): Battery w/ serious bodily injury

Nelson

PC 236: False imprisonment w/ violence

PC 243(d): Battery w/serious bodily injury

PC 422: Threaten w/ intent to terrorize

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.