Arson Suspect Arrested

On March 25, 2023, at approximately 12:00 PM, the Chico Fire Department was dispatched to an apartment complex in the 2700 block of El Paso Way for a vehicle fire. After the fire had been extinguished, the owner of the vehicle was contacted by fire personnel at the scene. The victim told fire personnel they had suspected the fire had been intentionally started. Chico Police Officers were summoned to the scene to continue the investigation. The victim’s vehicle was a total loss as a result of the fire.

Chico Police Officers arrived on scene and spoke with the victim of the arson. Officers continued the investigation throughout the afternoon, which included obtaining surveillance footage of the incident.  Officers were ultimately able to identify the victim’s boyfriend, Sean Clement, 30 years old of Chico, as the suspect in the arson. As an officer was conducting a follow-up at a business near E. Lassen Avenue and Godman regarding this case, they located Clement and his vehicle in the parking lot. Several Chico Police Officers arrived on scene, and Clement was taken into custody without incident. Clement was placed under arrest for 451(d), Arson, and transported to the Butte County Jail.    

Location: 2700 blk of El Paso Way

Suspect: Sean Clement, 30 years old, Chico

Victim: Withheld

Supervisor: Sgt. Mark Bass

Lieutenant: Lt. Jeff Durkin  

The Chico Police Department is committed to ensuring our community is a safe place to live, work, and recreate within!