Two Loleta Residents Accused in Racially Charged Incident at DHHS Office

The Eureka Police Department responded on November 25, 2025 to a reported disturbance at the Department of Health and Human Services office on Koster Street that investigators say involved verbal and physical attacks on security staff. Police identified the subjects as 53 year old Henry Robert James of Loleta and 21 year old Kylie Renee James also of Loleta.

Investigators say Henry James entered the DHHS facility and verbally assaulted multiple security officers with racial and anti immigrant slurs before physically engaging staff. Officers allege he struck a security officer and attempted to bite and stab that officer with a pen while resisting. City Ambulance transported Henry James to a local hospital, where he could not be medically cleared for booking. The department said it will coordinate with the Humboldt County District Attorney to obtain a warrant for his arrest once medical clearance is complete.

Police allege Kylie James used racial slurs and attempted to push past security. She was arrested at the scene and booked on assault and battery charges with a hate crime enhancement. The department described the matter as an active investigation and asked anyone with information to contact the Eureka Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit.

The incident raises immediate concerns for public safety at county service sites and for staff who perform front line duties serving vulnerable populations. A charged offense that includes a hate crime enhancement can change prosecutorial options and sentencing exposure, making coordination between law enforcement and the district attorney central to how the case proceeds. For residents who use county offices, the episode underscores the need for clear security protocols and for swift reporting when threats or harassment occur.

Community implications extend beyond this case. Incidents involving racial hostility in civic spaces can erode trust in public institutions and deter people from seeking services. Officials and community leaders will need to assess security, staff support, and outreach to ensure residents feel safe accessing county services while the investigation moves forward.