On 2/6/2024, at about 1:59 am, Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 1300 block of Fernwood Drive in McKinleyville for the report of an attempted residential burglary.

Deputies arrived on scene and contacted the homeowner. Deputies were informed a male subject attempted to break into the residence by kicking in the front door. The suspect left in a vehicle prior to the deputies’ arrival. Deputies were provided a description of the male suspect and the vehicle he was driving. Deputies searched the area and located the suspect vehicle driving near Murray Road and US Hwy 101. The vehicle fled from deputies when they attempted an enforcement stop. The suspect vehicle turned southbound on Hwy 101 and accelerated away at a high rate of speed. Deputies pursued the vehicle and observed it drive off the roadway near Hwy 101 and School Road. The vehicle became stuck in a muddy area and the driver was taken into custody without further incident. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 29-year-old Ronald Payton. Payton was identified as the suspect who attempted to break into the residence and was also determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol.

Payton was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and charged with attempted burglary (PC 664/459), felony evading (CVC 2800.2(A)), and DUI (CVC 23152(A)).

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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Ronald Payton Booking Photo | Humboldt County Correctional Facility