Brandishing Suspects Found with Cocaine for Sale

On August 30th, 2021, at approximately 3:47 PM, Chico Police Officers were dispatched to a report of a firearm brandish near W 8th Street and Main Street in Chico. The victim told CPD dispatch a male had pointed a pistol at him and fled in a vehicle. The vehicle was described as a BMW sedan. CPD officers were able to locate the vehicle driving eastbound on highway 32 as it approached Forest Avenue. Officers conducted a felony stop on the vehicle and detained occupants Nathaniel Birdsong (26 yrs) and Destinee Cortijo (27 yrs). A 9mm pistol was found inside the vehicle. The pistol was confirmed stolen.

The victim reported that Birdsong had pointed a black pistol at him during a verbal dispute at a stop light near downtown Chico. Birdsong was arrested for a violations of 417(a)(2) PC, 245(a)(2) PC, and an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. Cortijo was found to be in possession of cocaine and arrested. Officers located evidence that indicated Cortijo and Birdsong were in possession of cocaine for sales.

Birdsong was arrested for the following additional violations: 11351 California Health and Safety Code, 11352(a) H&S, 25400(a)(1) California Penal Code (PC), 25850(a) PC, 30305(a)(1) PC, 11370.1(a) PC, 25850(c)(1) PC, and 29805(a)(1) PC.
Cortijo was arrested for the following violations: 11351 HS, 11352(a) HS.

Location: W. 8th Street and Main Street, Chico CA
Date/Time: 8/30/21 3:47 PM
Incident Case Number: 21-005218
Victims: Name Withheld
Suspect: Nathaniel Anthony Birdsong (26 yrs old) and Destinee Cortijo (27 yrs old)
Supervisor: Sgt. Nick Bauer
Watch Commander: Lt. Pena

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