On Aug. 3, 2024, at about 9:30 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies were dispatched to the 42000 block of Mattole Rd. in Petrolia for the report of a disturbance.

The Sheriff’s Office had previously responded to a disturbance at this location on Aug. 2, 2024, at approximately 8 p.m. Upon deputies’ arrival on Aug. 2, they determined that Sanford Carson battered a cohabitant at their residence. A male victim received severe lacerations to his head and neck and was subsequently flown out for treatment. Carson was no longer on scene. Deputies then sought Carson for domestic battery, a violation of PC243(e)(1). Deputies checked the area but were unable to locate him. 

On Aug. 3, 2024, in the early morning, Sanford returned to the property, reportedly drunk and violently attacking another person on the property. HCSO was again notified, and deputies responded to the scene to investigate. Deputies received information that Sanford was attempting to flee on foot after trying to steal two vehicles from the residence. Ultimately, he fled using a side-by-side ATV with a flat tire. 

 Around 11:40 a.m., deputies located Sanford and made an arrest without incident. Sanford received medical treatment and was subsequently booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility.

This case is still under investigation.

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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