Boonville man arrested after running away from overdose scene

MENDOCINO CO., 6/1/26 — A deputy was injured and a Boonville man was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of narcotics and other crimes after allegedly running away from medical personnel who administered several Narcan doses, the Mendocino Sheriff’s Office said Monday

Around 2 a.m. Friday, medical first responders were sent to the 13000 block of Anderson Valley Way in Booneville on a report of a person overdosing on suspected fentanyl.

Jack Hayward, 31, was unresponsive and given multiple doses of Narcan before regaining consciousness, though he still appeared disoriented and in an altered state, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Soon after becoming alert, Hayward allegedly showed aggressive and combative behavior before running away, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies eventually found Hayward walking on state Highway 128 and when they tried to detain him, he allegedly ran away again and continued to flee despite law enforcement using lights, sirens and vocal commands ordering him to stop.

The Sheriff’s Office alleges Hayward led deputies on a foot chase through hazardous terrain involving a steep embankment, large rocks, dense vegetation and a creek under a bridge. During the chase, a deputy fell and sustained a significant injury that required stitches, but is expected to make a full recovery.

Hayward was ultimately detained after he allegedly tried hiding in someone’s driveway.

Deputies allege he was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and he was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, being under the influence of a controlled substance, and causing serious bodily injury to a peace officer during the performance of their duties.

The Sheriff’s Office alleges Hayward later provided a statement acknowledging that he was aware the deputies were law enforcement and that he decided to flee and attempt to avoid arrest.

He was booked into the Mendocino County jail and later released after signing a promise to appear in court.

Anyone with information related to this incident should contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office at 707-463-4086 (option 1). Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the non-emergency tip-line at 707-234-2100.