Man Arrested After Alleged Assault on Mother in Carlotta
Humboldt County deputies arrested 43 year old Matthew Warren Bowen after his 70 year old mother reported a physical assault at a State Highway 36 residence, and Bowen later returned and resisted arrest. The case highlights local concerns about elder safety, enforcement of protective orders, and use of less lethal tactics by law enforcement.
On November 16, 2025 at approximately 12:33 a.m. Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 7300 block of State Highway 36 in Carlotta following a report of a physical assault. Deputies were advised while en route that the suspect had attacked his 70 year old mother and fled the scene.
When deputies arrived they contacted the female victim who reported her son, 43 year old Matthew Warren Bowen, had physically attacked her. The victim said she attempted to lock herself in a bedroom to avoid further harm, but Bowen forced his way inside, struck her multiple times and slammed her into furniture. The victim sustained minor injuries and did not require immediate medical attention.
Deputies contacted the on call judge who granted an emergency protective order for the victim. Deputies conducted a search of the surrounding area but were unable to locate Bowen that night.
At approximately 8:06 a.m. deputies were dispatched back to the residence after a neighbor called the Humboldt County Emergency Communications Center to report Bowen had returned. Deputies searched the property and located Bowen hiding in a crawlspace under the house. He refused multiple commands to exit, and after several hours of negotiations deputies sought and obtained a warrant for his arrest.
Following issuance of the warrant deputies renewed efforts to get Bowen to surrender. After continued refusal, deputies deployed less lethal chemical agents into the crawlspace. Bowen exited the area and surrendered without further incident. He was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility and booked on multiple charges including 273.6(a) P.C. violation of domestic violence court order, 368(b)(1) P.C. causing injury to a dependent adult, 1203.2(a)(1) P.C. violation of probation, 148(a)(1) P.C. resisting or obstructing a peace officer, and 245(a)(4) P.C. assault likely to produce great bodily injury.
The incident raises local public safety and policy questions about protections for older residents, enforcement of court orders, and the tactics used when suspects refuse to surrender. Carlotta neighbors reported a quick law enforcement response and a prolonged presence while deputies negotiated and secured a warrant, underscoring the challenges in resolving domestic incidents in rural parts of the county.
Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity is asked to contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445 7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268 2539.
