EPD catches up with alleged thief

K-9 unit “Tahoe” helps cut second escape attempt short

Humboldt Sentinel staff

7/9/09

Eureka

A man wanted for several weeks on drug and stolen property charges was nabbed by Eureka Police Department detectives and their canine partner today.

William Lee Nicholson, 29 of Eureka, had successfully fled on foot from an EPD unit which pulled him over on June 19, when he had provided false information to the officers to avoid discovery of controlled substances and stolen property in the vehicle he was driving. His passenger at the time, 23-year-old Katrina Marie Gerace of Eureka, was arrested for failing to obey a lawful order and obstructing the duties of a police officer.

EPD officers at about 6:20 p.m. yesterday evening spotted Nicholson standing in the yard of a residence on the 3900 block of Cedar Street. The officers observed Nicholson turn and walk into the residence, at which time the unnamed detectives set up surveillance on the residence until additional units arrived.

By the time EPD officer Michael Guy and K-9 unit “Tahoe” arrived, however, Nicholson had yet again pulled his disappearing trick. Guy and Tahoe tracked him to a neighboring yard, where Nicholson was found hiding in the bushes. He was taken into custody without incident and charged with the original drug and stolen property charges.

Gerace was contacted standing outside the same Cedar Street house and also arrested on an outstanding warrant alleging possession of a controlled substance.

Both suspects are in county jail and await arraignment.