Firearm Possession Arrest

On September 8, 2022, at approximately 4:30 a.m., The Chico Police Department’s Dispatch Center received a call of gunshots heard in the area of East Avenue and Ceres Avenue in Chico. They then received a call from the clerk of the 711 convenience store at 1096 East Avenue stating that man and a woman had just attempted to steal merchandise from the store. The clerk managed to prevent the shoplift and the couple left the store. Seconds later, the clerk heard several gunshots from the area of the parking lot in front of the store. Officers arrived and found evidence of gunshots in the form of bullet casings. The store was not hit and no bullet strikes were located elsewhere.

An extensive area check was conducted for the two suspects. Approximately 20 minutes later, officers located the couple near the Safeway store on East Avenue. It was confirmed they two were the same two who attempted to shoplift from the 711 store. The male was in possession of a handgun. Both suspects were determined to be juveniles.

The male was placed into custody for possession of a concealed firearm and transported to Butte County Juvenile Hall. The female was cited for a Curfew violation and released to her home. Due to the two being juveniles, their names will not be released.

This investigation is ongoing. If anyone has any information about this incident, they are asked to call the Chico Police Department and reference case # 22-005600.

Location: 1000 block of East Avenue, Chico

Victim: State of California

Suspects: Withheld

Supervisor: T. Ferreira S4

Watch Commander: T. Tupper L7