“It’s important for law enforcement officers to support one another on calls involving potentially dangerous suspects. We are thankful for their response to this incident and that no officer was hurt as they protected the public.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
HUMBOLDT COUNTY – On November 30, 2023 at about 10:00 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies were dispatched to the 1900 block of Sutter Road in McKinleyville for the report of male subject brandishing a knife.
Deputies arrived on scene and located a man who they identified as 43-year-old Jason Balke.
According to HCSO: Balke was walking in the middle of Sutter Road and removed a large fixed-blade knife from his jacket. Balke brandished the knife towards the deputies in a threatening manner as they approached. Balke refused to drop the knife when ordered to do so. He then fled from deputies on foot. When Balke began running towards a Safeway store, deputies requested Safeway be locked down. Deputies then deployed a less lethal shotgun to induce Balke to drop the knife. Deputies fired less lethal bean bag rounds at Balke striking him. Balke still refused to drop the knife and continued running towards Safeway. Deputies then utilized a Taser device which effectively subdued Balke. Deputies were able to detain Balke in handcuffs without further incident. Balke sustained minor injuries, and he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Balke was then booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility for felony resisting arrest (PC 69(A)), brandishing (PC 417(A)(1)), criminal threats (PC 422(A)), and probation violation (PC 1203.2(A).
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office expressed its appreciation to the California Highway Patrol and California State Parks for their assistance with this investigation.
