Wanted Fugitive Joseph Larue Nabbed in Fortuna
On November 5th, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office announced the recent apprehension of wanted fugitive Joseph LaRue, age 38, from Redway.
On November 3rd, around 10 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the 200 block of Orchard Lane near Fortuna after an anonymous tip suggested LaRue’s location. HCSO coordinated with the Fortuna Police Department to apprehend LaRue, who had previously evaded law enforcement on two occasions. LaRue was wanted on several charges, including domestic violence, resisting arrest, child endangerment, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and making criminal threats.
Upon contact with law enforcement, LaRue attempted to flee through a neighboring yard, prompting officers to use a non-lethal PepperBall for compliance. LaRue was eventually located, apprehended, and found in possession of more than 5 grams of methamphetamine.
A further search of the scene revealed LaRue and his significant other, Katina Baker, had possession of a stolen vehicle. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered additional stolen property, including 12 firearms.
LaRue was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on multiple charges, including:
- Possession of Methamphetamine While Armed,
- Felon in Possession of Firearms,
- Possession of Stolen Vehicle,
- Possession of Ammunition by a Felon,
- Possession of Stolen Property,
- Resisting Arrest,
- and Possession of Methamphetamine.
Katina Baker was cited and released at the scene for possession of a stolen vehicle.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office thanks the public and assisting agencies, including the Fortuna Police Department, CAL FIRE, and California Highway Patrol, for their cooperation in this operation. The case remains under investigation, and anyone with information related to this incident or other criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Crime Tip Line at 707-268-2539.
