CDFW wardens assist with search for suspect

“It’s important that law enforcement officers nearest to a scene help each other out, regardless of which agency they are affiliated with.  CDFW officers often assist local law enforcement officers in response to 911 calls, particularly in areas where officers have to travel a great geographical distance to respond to calls.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

MENDOCINO COUNTY – On March 6, 2025 at about 10:10 p.m., Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 100 Block of Kawi Place in Willits for a report of a stabbing victim. Upon arrival, deputies contacted the victim, a 47-year-old male, and provided medical aid while medical personnel responded to the scene. Additional deputies, wardens from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and Willits Police Department officers arrived on scene and began searching the area for the suspect, who was as identified as Jason Ryan Omholt, 47, of Eureka.

The victim was transported to a hospital for medical treatment. It was determined the victim suffered life-threatening injuries and there was substantial evidence located at the scene to corroborate that a violent assault had occurred.

Once the victim was transported, deputies began conducting an assault investigation along with detectives from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. During the investigation, it was learned Omholt had an active felony arrest warrant out of Humboldt County for 10851 CVC (Vehicle Theft). Additionally, deputies learned of a location where Omholt was possibly staying.

Deputies went to a residence located in the 2600 Block of Mitomkai Way in Willits where they found Omholt hiding in a bedroom. Omholt initially refused to come out of the bedroom but after further negotiations, Omholt surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident.

A search warrant was obtained and served at the residence where Omholt was staying. At the conclusion of the investigation, Omholt was placed under arrest for 664 / 187 PC – Attempt Murder, 148 (a)(1) PC – Resisting arrest, and the out-of-county felony arrest warrant.

Omholt was subsequently booked into the Mendocino County Jail.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office expressed its gratitude to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Willits Police Department for assistance during this investigation.