Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address in the Eureka early Friday evening, November 17th, regarding a report of a domestic dispute and attempted arson.
When first responding Deputies arrived at the property, a 19 year old female victim was contacted and during their initial investigation, deputies learned that the female victim’s ex-boyfriend, 39 year old Ryan Smith of Fortuna, had arrived uninvited to her residence.
While there, Smith reportedly poured a suspected liquid accelerant on the victim and attempted to ignite the substance before fleeing the area.
Late the next morning, Saturday, November 18th, Smith was located by officers with the Fortuna Police Department at about 11:40am, and arrested on charges stemming from this incident.
Smith was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of attempted homicide, and criminal threats.
The case is still under investigation, and 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.
