Man arrested after BB gun robbery attempt near downtown Eureka

A pre-dawn confrontation near Fourth and A Streets left one person shaken and two suspects in custody after a weapon was brandished and a robbery was attempted. Eureka Police responded around 2:15 a.m. on Jan. 15 after a person experiencing homelessness, who was trying to sleep in the area, reported that two suspects approached, pointed what appeared to be a firearm and demanded property while threatening to shoot him.

When the victim resisted, he armed himself with two edged weapons and the suspects fled on an electric scooter. Officers located people matching the description and observed them enter a motel on West 5th Street. Surveillance later tied the two to a room, and investigators obtained and executed a search warrant at the motel.

Investigators identified an approximately 15-year-old juvenile and 18-year-old Jack Nye of Eureka as the primary suspects. Nye was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges including attempted robbery, brandishing a replica firearm, conspiracy and criminal threats. The juvenile was released to a guardian and a criminal complaint will be forwarded to probation.

Authorities determined the object used to threaten the victim was not a firearm but a realistic replica. "The firearm used in the incident was determined to be a realistic-looking CO₂-powered BB gun." That realism, combined with threats to shoot, prompted the robbery and criminal threats charges despite the device not being a firearm.

The case underscores several local concerns: the vulnerability of people experiencing homelessness who sleep on downtown sidewalks, the use of electric scooters as quick getaways, and the growing presence of highly realistic replica weapons that complicate both civilian and law enforcement responses. For residents, business owners and people living on the streets, the incident is a reminder that perceived threats can escalate quickly and that appearances can be deceptive.

Eureka Police asked anyone with information about the incident to contact its Criminal Investigations Unit at 707-441-4300. Investigators say they will pursue additional leads and any charges supported by evidence.

For downtown Humboldt County, the episode is likely to feed ongoing conversations about street safety, outreach and shelter options for people experiencing homelessness, and how to keep public spaces secure without criminalizing vulnerability. In the days ahead, expect continued police follow-up and community discussion about prevention measures and resources for those most at risk.