Chico Police Assist with Homicide Arrest

On 4/22/22, Chico Police Crisis Response Unit (CRU), and Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force Agents (BINTF) assisted Union City Police Department with a suspect apprehension detail.  Union City Police Department (UCPD) contacted Chico Police Department requesting assistance with a homicide investigation.  UCPD was investigating an incident that occurred on April 9^th, in which 43-year-old Karim Zepeda Martinez was murdered.  The murder occurred within the jurisdiction of UCPD.  UCPD possessed an Arrest Warrant for Antonio Rodriguez (24 yrs) and Miranda King (31 yrs).  Chico Police Detectives assisted UCPD in developing information as to the suspect’s location.  The Chico Police CRU, a collaborative team comprised of SWAT and Criss Negotiation Team members, and BINTF were assigned to conduct the safe arrest of Rodriguez.  The various units were involved due to the nature of the crime, his violent history, and the location where was hiding.   

Chico Police CRU successfully contacted both subjects, Rodriguez and King, near the 300 block of Yarrow Drive, Chico within 4 minutes of arriving at the location.  They were taken into custody without incident.  Rodriguez was later charged by Alameda County District Attorney’s Office with Murder (187(a) PC), Robbery (211 PC), Possession for Sale of a Controlled Substance (11378 HS), Felon in Possession of a firearm (29800(a)(1) PC), and Possession of a Controlled Substance with a Firearm (11370.1(a) HS).  Miranda King was charged with Accessory after the Fact (32 PC). 

This homicide is still under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Andrew Smith at andrews@unioncity.org or (510) 675-5268. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can leave information on the UCPD tip line at (510) 675- 5207 or at tips@unioncity.org PIO Sgt. Brandon Hayward is available for media inquiries at 510-714-1694 on Wednesday, 04/27/22 between 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

Location:  300 Block of Yarrow Drive, Chico CA

Date/Time: 4/22/22    8:00 AM   

Incident Case Number: 22-002447

Victims: Karim Zepeda Martinez and State of California

Suspect: Antonio Rodriguez (24 yrs) and Miranda King (31 yrs)

Supervisor: Sgt. Nick Bauer

Watch Commander: Lt. Miller

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