Arrest Made in Recent Hate Crimes

On 11/2/22 and 11/3/22, The Chico Police Department received reports of Hate Crime-related vandalism and arson at the Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue and at a mural dedicated to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Investigators from the Violence Suppression Unit (VSU), in collaboration with investigators from the Butte County Probation Department, identified THOMAS BONA (36) as a person of interest in the incidents.

On 11/4/22, officers from the CSU Chico Police Department contacted BONA in the lobby of an on-campus building after receiving complaints of his behavior. BONA is not a current CSUC student. A patrol officer and VSU Investigators from the Chico Police Department contacted BONA and obtained evidence and statements providing probable cause for his arrest for both Hate Crime incidents. BONA was arrested and booked into the Butte County Jail with a request for charges of Hate Crimes, Arson, Vandalism, and a Violation of the Terms of Post Release Community Supervision.

Locations: 900 Block of W. 2nd Street and 1400 Block of Hemlock Street

Suspect: THOMAS BONA (36) of Chico

Supervisor: Sgt. Dane Gregory

Lieutenant: Lt. Brian Miller