On Oct. 19, 2025, at 4:52 p.m. Humboldt County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to an interrupted residential burglary in the 900 block of Spring Road in Shelter Cove. 

The victim, a 40-year-old female of Shelter Cove called the Humboldt County Emergency Communications Center and reported that she arrived home and encountered an unknown male inside her house and that he fled the residence with some of her property.

As deputies were responding to the scene, a second caller identified the suspect as 39-year-old Matthew Hayes, a resident of Shelter Cove.

Deputies responded to Hayes’ residence located at 125 Eileen Rd. They obtained an arrest warrant for Hayes and a search warrant for his residence. During the investigation, deputies were advised by another citizen that Hayes had been seen inside an Airbnb located in the 800 block of Spring Rd. Deputies responded to that location and took Hayes into custody without incident.

Hayes was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on the following charge:. 460(a) – First Degree Burglary

This is Hayes’ third arrest within a one-month period. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office thanks the citizens of Shelter Cove for remaining vigilant and proactive in keeping their community safe. The Sheriff’s Office remains committed to the safety and security of the residents of Humboldt County and urges the public to report any unusual activity in their neighborhoods.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.

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