One Person Arrested After Dangerous Incident at the Thacker Pass Lithium Mine Site

On June 7, 2023 at approximately 8:30 a.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a report of
an adult male who had entered into an active construction work site within the boundaries of the
Thacker Pass Lithium Mine for the purpose of stopping an excavator that was actively moving and
conducting work. This subject intentionally ran into the path of working heavy equipment without
warning or regard for safety.
During the past several months, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office has respected the protestors’ right
to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Our agency has issued verbal warnings when needed
while working with the involved parties to protect the constitutional rights of everyone involved. During
today’s incident, a person’s life was willingly placed into a situation where they could have suffered
serious bodily injury or death. The response by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office to this call for
service required enforcement action to maintain public safety and hopefully prevent similar future
incidents.
After Supervisors and Deputies arrived to address the situation, three of the four protestors at the
campsite voluntarily left after being issued a trespass warning by Lithium America Security. The fourth,
27-year-old Tekenya Sanchez of Rowland Heights, California, refused to leave the property or identify
herself. Ms. Sanchez was taken into custody for violations of NRS 207.200, Trespass and NRS 197.190,
Obstructing Public Officer and booked into the Humboldt County Detention Center. No force was used
while making this arrest or during this incident.
While at the campsite occupied by the protestors, it was observed the living conditions were unsafe and
unsanitary due to several piles containing an excessive amount of food waste and garbage, as well as
both solid and liquid human waste in unsanitary containers throughout the camp. The property and
biohazardous waste at the camp is being mitigated and properly disposed of or stored by the private
entities managing the leased property.
As an organization dedicated to safeguarding our community, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office
remains committed to promoting respect, professionalism, and the protection of our whole community.
Captain Sean Wilkin
Patrol Division
775-623-6419 Office