The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has released a man arrested in the wake of a Benbow shooting after finding that he acted in self-defense.

According to a release, the decision was made after the criminal investigations division completed interviews and reviewed evidence connected to the incident that took place Wednesday on the 300 block of Twin Trees Road.


Thomas Neil Harris was released from custody Thursday. The release states that the case is “being forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review and final determination of charges.”

Read the release from the sheriff’s office below:

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division has completed interviews and has reviewed the evidence associated with the shooting that occurred on the 300 block of Twin Trees Road March 20, 2019. At this time, the Sheriff’s Office has determined Thomas Neil Harris to have acted in self-defense.

Mr. Harris was released from the Humboldt County Correctional Facility in the evening of March 21 per Penal Code 849(b)1.

This case is being forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review and final determination of charges.