On June 30, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m., deputies from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a report of a gunshot victim in the 8000 block of Kneeland Road, Kneeland.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered that Ashley Nicole Bartels, 37, of Arcata had discharged a firearm while at an unpermitted marijuana cultivation site in the area. The victim, who sustained serious injuries, was promptly transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.

Following a thorough investigation, deputies established probable cause to believe that Bartels discharged the firearm in a willful and grossly negligent manner. She was subsequently arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of Assault with a Firearm (PC 245(a)(2)) and Negligent Discharge of a Firearm (PC 246.3(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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