Homicide Suspect Arrested At Santa Cruz Harbor: Sheriff's Department

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A Rhode Island man suspected of murder was arrested in Santa Cruz while attempting to steal a boat over the weekend, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department said Monday.

Austin Michael Medeiros, 27, was wanted in connection to the murder of a Kneeland woman when the Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol spotted him trying to take a boat around 4 p.m. Sunday, according to police.

"During a search of Medeiros incident to arrest, SCPD officers reportedly located a loaded stolen firearm and approximately 29.3 grams of psychedelic mushrooms in Medeiros’ possession," police said in a news release.

Medeiros was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail on charges of grand theft, carrying a loaded stolen firearm and possession and transportation of a controlled substance, police said.

Police said he is pending extradition to Humboldt County on warrant charges of murder, evading a peace officer, assault, battery and possession of a controlled substance. Medeiros’ bail has been set at $1 million.

Anyone with information 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.