Missing Juvenile, Warrant Arrest

On the night of 03/21/23, the Chico Police Department received a missing juvenile BOLO issued by the Orange Police Department. The BOLO identified that a missing 16-year-old female was believed to have fled the custody of her parents and traveled to Chico. The juvenile was reportedly accompanied by 23-year-old Rory Murga Jr.

Murga was reportedly wanted for a felony, no-bail absconding warrant issued by the Los Angeles County Court.

CPD received information that both were believed to be camping along the cliff edge of the north-rim portion of Upper Bidwell Park, roughly between Bear Hole and the power lines. Early this morning, CPD’s two Target Unit assigned Park Rangers were able to identify the exact location of the camp by viewing it with binoculars from South Rim. 

CPD’s Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) team responded. The UAS pilot and investigators were able to watch the camp by utilizing the drones’ camera until movement was observed, and Murga was positively identified. 

Elements of the Target Unit and Detective Bureau deployed from CPD at approximately 11:00 AM. At about 12:00 PM, they reached the Upper Bidwell Park encampment without being detected.

They subsequently contacted and detained the juvenile. Murga was also taken into custody without incident. 

The juvenile has been reunited with her parents, and her Missing and Unidentified Person Section (MUPS) listing has been cleared. 

Murga was booked for his warrant, and at the time of this press release, investigators are reviewing for other potential charges.  

Location: Upper Bidwell Park

Suspect: Murga Jr., Rory

Victim: N/A – juvenile’s identity withheld. 

Supervisors: Target Sgt. Paul Ratto, Detective Sgt. Nick Bauer

Lieutenant:    Brian Miller

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