Eureka, California — On July 20, 2022, at 7:20 p.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Field Training Officer and a deputy sheriff one undergoing field training were on patrol in the area of Fairway Drive in Eureka when they observed a white 2003 Kia Sorrento driving recklessly at approximately 65 miles per hour. Deputies attempted a traffic stop on the Kia. The vehicle, driven by 27-year-old Darrike Miles McKeown, failed to yield and deputies initiated a pursuit. Investigators later learned that the Kia had been involved in a short pursuit with officers of the Eureka Police Department just prior to this incident. Deputies followed the Kia onto Vance Avenue from Herrick Avenue where the vehicle reached estimated speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
Near the intersection of Vance and Eureka Streets, the front passenger of the vehicle, 32-year-old Jared Eli Aubrey, exhibited a rifle and fired multiple shots out of the vehicle towards the pursuing deputies. Deputies did not return fire at this location. Investigators were later notified that a bullet consistent with the ammunition fired from the suspect’s weapon entered a nearby home. No one was injured as a result. Deputies continued to pursue the vehicle for approximately 1.7 miles, traveling through the Pine Hill community and into Eureka city limits. Near the intersection of Utah Street and Highland Avenue, Aubrey leaned out the window and pointed the rifle at the Deputies. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Field Training Officer, utilizing a department issued rifle, fired four shots through his patrol vehicle’s windshield.
The pursuit then continued to Henderson Street, where McKeown began driving the wrong way, east on Henderson. The pursuit continued onto O Street and then onto Buhne Street with no further gunfire. At the intersection of Buhne Street and Harrison Avenue, the Kia struck a vehicle occupied by one civilian, and became disabled. Aubrey, McKeown and a third occupant of the Kia were detained at this location and ultimately, Aubrey and McKeown were arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. The civilian and McKeown both sustained injuries as a result of the traffic collision. Further examination of the involved patrol vehicle revealed that the vehicle had been struck multiple times. Evidence obtained through this investigation indicate Aubrey fired from an AK-47 style assault rifle which was still in his possession upon being taken into custody.
