University Police arrest suspect for suspicion of kidnapping a student

An Arcata man was arrested by the Cal Poly Humboldt University Police Department for attempted kidnapping, false imprisonment and disorderly conduct of a CPH student on April 19 around 4 p.m. 

The suspect Michael Nilsson, 53-years old, was arrested at the scene on St. Louis Road in Arcata after officers spoke with both parties. Nilsson was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility with a bail set at $75,000.

The university sent out a campus wide email detailing the incident on April 20 at 12 p.m.

“While en route to the victim’s residence hall, the suspect abruptly turned the vehicle around and began driving at a high rate of speed. Fearing for their safety, the victim attempted to exit the moving vehicle,” the press release said. “The suspect grabbed the back of the victim’s shirt and ordered the victim back into the car. After a brief struggle, the victim managed to escape by falling out of the moving vehicle and then fled on foot. The suspect pursued the victim on foot until officers arrived and intervened.”

This is an ongoing investigation as of April 20 at 7:00 p.m.