Arson

On 08/11/2021, at about 1435 hours, Chico Police and Chico Fire dispatch received multiple calls concerning a subject intentionally starting fires in the 1800 Block of Springfield Drive. The Chico Fire Department quickly responded and extinguished a fire which was contained to a grass field and no damage to any of the surrounding businesses occurred. The suspect also started a second fire in an exterior trash can at a nearby business, which was also quickly extinguished.

Chico Police Officers quickly located a subject matching the arson suspect’s description fleeing the area on foot. The suspect was identified as Danny Benson. At the completion of the investigation Benson was arrested for the violation of 452 PC – Arson. Benson has prior arson convictions and is required to register as an arson registrant under 457 PC.

Location: 1800 Block of Springfield Drive
Victim: State of California
Suspect: Danny Benson
Supervisor: P. Durfee, Officer in Charge
Watch Commander: O. Peña, Lieutenant