One of Shasta County’s Most Wanted arrested after hammer attack

REDDING – Redding Police officers arrested one of Shasta County’s Most Wanted Monday, May 16. The man allegedly threatened to kill a City of Redding Parks employee and attempted to attack him with a claw hammer, according to a Redding Police official.

Officers arrested the alleged suspect, identified as Patrick Francis Brooks, 26 years, a Redding area transient. Brooks had fled the park prior to their arrival but he was eventually found by officers who were searching for him after the violent incident, Redding Police Sergeant Mike Wood wrote in a press release.

At about 6:50 a.m., emergency communications dispatchers received a 911 call regarding a city employee being threatened with a hammer. The attack was occurring by the bathrooms located near the boat ramp in Caldwell Park.

While officers were rushing to the park, they learned Brooks had fled from the location after the attack.

The officer’s investigation revealed Eric Stevens, a City of Redding Parks employee, was conducting routine maintenance on the bathrooms at the location. As he went about his morning duties he found Brooks sleeping in a sleeping bag inside the bathroom.

Stevens told Brooks he needed to leave the bathroom, so he could complete his daily scheduled maintenance. Stevens then exited the bathroom to give Brooks time to collect his belongings and prepare to leave.

When Brooks finally came out of the bathroom he was armed with a claw hammer and he made several threats that he was going to kill Stevens.

“Stevens attempted to back away, however, Brooks aggressively advanced towards him swinging the hammer at Stevens’ head,” according to Wood. “Stevens was able retreat at which time Brooks narrowly missed hitting his head with the hammer.”

A citizen in the area who saw what was happening intervened on Stevens’ behalf. After a brief confrontation, Brooks fled the area on foot. Officers searching the area quickly located and arrested Brooks.

Officers conducted a records search and discovered Brooks was also on PRCS probation for a weapons charge of carrying a concealed dirk or dagger. Officers booked Brooks into the Shasta County Jail for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and making criminal threats.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Sergeant Mike Wood at (530) 225-4200. Callers can refer to incident file number 16-34211 and can remain anonymous.

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