Police Department News Releases
Fraud/Scam Alert
On September 17th, 2022, the Chico Police Department was alerted to a scam attempt at several residences in Chico. In each case, the suspect called the residents and identified themselves as a representative from the Chico Police Department. The suspect would use different lines of questioning on each of the calls to the respective resident. These questions include inquiring the resident about outstanding warrants and other police-related questioning. There were no monetary requests made by the suspect during the phone calls.
Collision Involving a Chico Police Officer
On Thursday, September 15, 2022, around 4:40 AM, a Chico Police Officer was involved in a vehicle collision while patrolling.
The officer was driving through the intersection of 8th and Main Street in downtown Chico when another motorist drove through a red light, colliding with the officer.
The officer was transported to a local hospital and is doing well.
The Chico Police Department would like to thank the California Highway Patrol for handling the investigation resulting in the involved driver being arrested for DUI.
Missing Juvenile
*****UPDATE*****
The missing juvenile has been located and returned home safely.
*****ORIGINAL*****
Animal Abuse
Case# 22-5718 Animal Abuse
On Tuesday, 09/13/2022 at approximately 1743 hours, the Chico Police Department responded to the area of 1040 South Park Dr (South One Mile), on a report of a subject battering a husky-type dog. Officers arrived on scene and contacted the involved subject, identified as Joshua Young (04-05-1987). The dog was also located on scene and was attended to appropriately. While on scene, the dog did not show or exhibit any signs of injury.
Vehicle Collision
Case# 22-005707
On 09/13/22, at 10:33 A.M., the Chico Police Department responded to a two-vehicle collision near the intersection of E. 1st Ave. and Mildred Ave. As a result of the collision, one of the involved vehicles crashed through the front of a nearby residence, causing a natural gas leak.
The roadway and several nearby residences were evacuated for approximately 30 minutes. Hooker Oak Elementary School was also advised to have all students and teachers shelter in place while PG&E and the Chico Fire Department worked to shut off the gas.
Burglary Suspect in Custody
Case# 22-05663
On 9/11/2022, at approximately 7:37 am, Chico Police officers responded to the area of 2850 Sierra Sunrise Terrance on a subject attempting to steal a motorcycle. The Victim noticed the subject later identified as, Nolan Dodson pushing the Victim’s motorcycle out of the driveway. When the Victim confronted Dodson, Dodson dropped the motorcycle and fled on foot. Officers responded to the area to conduct an area check for Dodson.
Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Collision
Case# 22-005605
On 9/8/2022 at 1345 hours, the Chico Police Department responded to a vehicle vs. pedestrian collision on Nord Avenue between West Lindo Avenue and East Avenue.
The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital for treatment; his condition is unknown at this time.
Officers are still investigating the cause of the collision. Witnesses are asked to please contact the Chico Police Department at (530)897-4900, refer to case number 22-005605.
Location: Nord Avenue between West Lindo Avenue and East Avenue
Victim: Withheld
Suspect: Withheld
Suspected Thief Arrested for Burglary
Case# 22-005587, 22-005601
On September 8, 2022, at about 09:18 AM, a citizen called Chico PD Dispatch from the 1100 block of Olive St. She said an unknown male was trying to enter to her home. She confronted the suspect, and he fled the scene. Officers responded and located Charles Edward CONDON (age 55) nearby in the Little Chico Creek greenway.
Firearm Possession Arrest
Case# 22-005600
On September 8, 2022, at approximately 4:30 a.m., The Chico Police Department’s Dispatch Center received a call of gunshots heard in the area of East Avenue and Ceres Avenue in Chico. They then received a call from the clerk of the 711 convenience store at 1096 East Avenue stating that man and a woman had just attempted to steal merchandise from the store. The clerk managed to prevent the shoplift and the couple left the store. Seconds later, the clerk heard several gunshots from the area of the parking lot in front of the store.
Missing Person
Case# 22-005596
***** Update *****
On 9/8/2022, the Chico Police Department was advised that Erik Scott Vickner was located alive in Lassen County by the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office. Vickner was transported to an area hospital for observation.
***** ORIGINAL *****
Two Vehicle Collision
Case# 22-005576
On 9/7/2022 around 9 a.m. the Chico Police Department responded to a two-vehicle collision on Park Avenue at Carmichael Drive. Upon arriving, officers found a Sedan had rear-ended a pickup truck.
The driver of the Sedan appeared to be having a medical episode. He was transported to a local area hospital for treatment however he passed away. His identity will not be released until next of kin is notified.
The driver of the second vehicle appeared to be uninjured at the scene.
The roadway was cleared and re-opened to all lanes within an hour.
Vehicle vs Pedestrian Collision
Case# 22-005548
On 09/06/2022 at 12:03 AM, Chico Police Officers were dispatched to a vehicle vs pedestrian collision that had just occurred on Cohasset Rd near Pillsbury Rd in Chico CA. Officers arrived on scene along with medical personnel. It was determined that a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle near that intersection. The pedestrian suffered major injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Hate Crime
Case# 22-005530
On 9/5/2022 at 1:36 AM, Officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Main Street for a reported battery against a person. Officers arrived and contacted the victim who stated a male subject, later identified as Joaquin Morton, entered the business, made a derogatory statement in regards to the sexual orientation of the occupants inside the business, and proceeded to shoot them with Orbeez. Orbeez are a popular toy containing superabsorbent polymer balls that grow when submerged in water. Orbeez can be discharged from a water pellet gun, gel blaster, or splaterball gun.
Subject Arrested for Attempted Murder
Case# 22-005515
On 9/4/2022 at about 5:33 AM, Chico Police Officers responded to the 400 block of Orange Street for a reported stabbing. Officers contacted the victim who was suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital and is expected to survive.
Multiple Subjects Shot at a House Party
Case# 22-005491
*****Update #2*****
On 9/3/22 Detectives and Patrol Officers viewed video captured at the time of the incident. Several Officers recognized the suspect as a 16-year-old juvenile from prior contacts. Detectives began searching for the subject. During this search, people familiar with the suspect, reached out to him and talked him into surrendering at the Chico Police Department. The suspect was taken into custody without incident at approximately 4:31 PM.
Death in Public Right of Way
Case# 22-5391
On Monday, 08/29/2022 at approximately 1807 hours, the Chico Police Department responded to the 2100 block of Humboldt Road, on a report of an unresponsive subject. Medical and fire personnel arrived a short time later and located the subject, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.
There were no obvious signs of criminality located at the scene and the death appears natural.
Arrest Made for Animal Cruelty
Case# 22-005363
On 8/28/2022 at 1:11 am, Officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of W. 3 rd Street. Chico, Ca. after a caller, later identified as Katrina Oceant, stated approximately two hours earlier she was bitten by her dog, so she stabbed it with a knife. Concerned for the safety of the animal and the caller, Officers from the Chico Police Department arrived and investigated what occurred.
Firearm Arrests
On Tuesday, August 23, 2022, between 5:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Chico Police officers located and recovered three handguns during three separate calls for service. In two of the incidents the person in possession of the firearm was prohibited from possessing or owning a firearm.
Suspicious Item
Case# 22-005520
On August 22, 2022, at about 11:09 AM, Chico Police received a call for service regarding a suspicious item chained to the bicycle locks at the front doors of City Hall, 411 Main Street. Officers arrived and reviewed the item; they determined it was suspicious in nature. Due to the circumstances, the building was evacuated, and the Butte County Interagency Bomb Squad responded to the scene. Explosive Ordinance Technicians took measures to render the item safe. There were no incendiary devices located.
Location: City Hall, 411 Main Street, Chico Ca.
Victim: N/A
Arrest of Indecent Exposure Suspect in Bidwell Park
Case # 22-005172
On 8/20/22 at approximately 1550 hrs. Chico Police Department Dispatch received a report of a possible Indecent Exposure at the Sycamore Pool area of Bidwell Park. The reporting party advised that the male suspect, later identified as Ezequiel Ruiz-Leon, was standing in nearby bushes, watching a group of children while exposing himself and masturbating. Officers arrived on scene within minutes and contacted and detained Ruiz without incident.