Search Warrant

***Update***

September 26, 2022

The Butte County Coroner’s Office has identified the decedent in this investigation as Kevin Olson (64) of Chico. The decedent was discovered on September 21, 2022, by Chico Police Officers while searching a residence on Burnap Ave.

The cause of his death is still under investigation.

*****

On Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at 8:45 AM, Chico Police officers and our Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) conducted a search warrant on a residence located on Burnap Avenue. SWAT was utilized due to weapons concerns; however, the suspect cooperated with officers and came out willingly.

Officers were initially there to investigate a missing persons case, but found a decedent while searching the residence. Darren Pirtle (57) was questioned by detectives and arrested for check fraud and identity theft.

The investigation into the death is ongoing, and the decedent’s identity is pending next of kin.

Location: Burnap Avenue, Chico, CA

Victim: Withheld

Suspect: Darren Pirtle

Supervisor: Sgt. N. Bauer

Lieutenant: Lt. B. Miller