Elsea Released After Violent Stand-off with Law Enforcement 

August 10, 2024 – Modoc County District Attorney Nina Salarno released the following statement.

Alturas resident Richard Lynn Elsea was arrested on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, after a report of debris in the road led to a stand-off situation between a manic Elsea and Alturas Police Department Officers in the presence of his minor child. After continually resisting and threatening to run over the officers with his vehicle forcing them to draw their weapons for safety, Elsea was ultimately taken into custody on two Felony counts of Resisting an Executive Officer, two Felony counts of Assault by Means Likely to Produce GBI, one Felony count of Receiving Stolen Property and two Misdemeanor counts of Resisting, Obstructing or Delaying of Peace Officer. During his booking process, Elsea stated "I didn't threaten anyone! I'll earn it this time. I'll kill someone this time."

At Mr. Elsea's arraignment on Thursday, August 8, Modoc County Superior Court Judge Wendy Dier made the ruling (against strenuous District Attorney and Law Enforcement objection) that Mr. Elsea, who has a lengthy criminal history which includes a strikeable [sic] offense, was not a threat to the community and released him under the supervision of the Modoc County Probation Department just moments after removing him from the court room due to his volatile behavior.

Potential additional Felony charges are to be filed pending receipt and review of supplemental reports.

This message has been endorsed by the Alturas Police Department and the Alturas Police Officer's Association.

Source: Modoc County District Attorney