MENDOCINO COUNTY (MNG) — Part of the Jackson Demonstration State Forest is closed and CAL FIRE is urging the public to stay out of the entire forest until further notice while authorities continue to search for the man suspected of shooting and killing Fort Bragg City Councilman Jere Melo, CAL FIRE announced Tuesday.
The Mendocino County Sheriff”s Office (MCSO) leads a multi-agency investigation to capture Aaron Bassler, a Fort Bragg transient in his 30s, the solo-suspect in the Saturday shooting in the area.
Bassler is considered armed and dangerous, and was last seen in the area, about four miles east of Fort Bragg in rugged, remote terrain on private timber land near the Noyo River and the Skunk Train rail lines, according to the MCSO.
The forest closure includes Camp One campgrounds and the permitted public firewood areas, and is effective today, according to CAL FIRE.
“The … closures are due to ongoing law enforcement activity and to ensure public safety as an armed and dangerous male suspect is being sought in the area,” CAL FIRE stated.
CAL FIRE also urges the public to stay out of the entire Jackson Demonstration State Forest area north of Highway 20 until further notice.
CAL FIRE continues to assist in the search, and directs further questions about the search and the suspect to the MCSO.
For information about the forest, call 964-5674.
