HOME INVASION RELATED TO POT COULD BE TREND

ARCATA -- Thieves may be targeting indoor pot growers, both legal and illegal.

An armed man who tried to force his way into a home last Sunday night is
still being sought and the Arcata Police Department said these types of
robberies are becoming more frequent.

Police say people with indoor marijuana grows are becoming the targets for
violent home invasions and are not reporting them because pot is involved.

"We're worried more about the violence," said Arcata police Lt. Randy Mendosa.

In the most recent incident, a man with a firearm tried forcing his way
into a home on Hauser Court shortly after 10 p.m., but fled after a
struggle with the resident.

The resident saw the man get into a car with another person in it.

The accomplice and the car were found by Humboldt State University police a
short time later. No arrests were made but police were able to get
information they believe will lead them to the armed man.

Arcata police say they have noticed an increase in home invasion crimes
connected with indoor marijuana growing operations.

Officials urge that robberies are reported right away, no matter what's
involved.

"The police department knows that most robbery victims who are involved in
growing marijuana may be hesitant to call the police," officials noted in a
written statement. "The Arcata Police Department wants anyone who is a
victim of a home invasion robbery to call the department immediately."

Mendosa said some of the targeted growing operations may be legal,
Proposition 215 grows.

Anyone with information on the most recent home invasion attempt is asked
to call the Arcata Police Department at 822-2428.