Deputies from the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported stabbing early Wednesday evening that occurred in Smith River, at approximately 6:30pm.
An unconscious adult male victim was discovered in a grassy area upon arrival of first responders, near several residences after being severely assaulted with a machete.
Deputies interviewed multiple witnesses in the area as Del Norte Ambulance and Smith River Fire Personnel attended to the victim, who was transported immediately to Sutter Coast Hospital.
The suspect was identified as 45 year old, Clifton Harold Jones who was reported by witnesses to have fled to a nearby mountain identified near Prince Island, within about 500 yards from the scene.
Sheriff’s K9 Zuko was deployed after gaining a scent of the suspect and K9 Zuko and his handler proceeded up the mountain where K9 Zuko was used to further track Jones.
Other Deputies were strategically placed in the area to prevent Jones from fleeing further. At the mountain top K9 Zuko led the Deputies through thick brush and steep terrain, alerting to Jones hiding in a ravine where Jones complied and was arrested.
Jones was booked into the Del Norte County Jail on multiple charges including Attempted Murder, Mayhem, Assault by Means Likely to Produce Great Bodily Harm, and Violating State Parole.
