Shots Fired into Residence

On May 8, 2023 at approximately 2:09 a.m., Chico Police Officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Arch Way for the report of shots fired into a residence. Officers arrived in the area and were contacted by alert citizens in the area that saw two males running near the intersection of Marigold Avenue and East Avenue. A CPD Officer in the area observed the two individuals at the roundabout near Wildwood Park, and a perimeter was established. One of the suspects, a 14-year-old male juvenile, was quickly taken into custody. The second male remained outstanding in the area. Chico Police deployed a UAS (drone) to aid in the search for the second suspect. The UAS pilot was able to locate the second suspect, 18-year-old Oscar Sanchez, hiding in a dry creek bed. Officers were guided to Sanchez’s location and took him into custody without incident. Sanchez was found to be in possession of two firearms, one of which was reported stolen through the Chico Police Department.

While Officers were detaining the two suspects, other Officers made contact at the victim’s residence. The residence suffered multiple bullet impacts to the house and through the front window. During the shooting, there was a 3-year-old child sleeping on the couch in front of the window that narrowly avoided being struck by gunfire. Although terrified by the incident, no one in the home was injured during the shooting. Evidence recovered from the crime scene matched one of the firearms found in Sanchez’s possession.

Ultimately, Sanchez was booked into the Butte County Jail on charges of shooting into an inhabited dwelling and assault with a deadly weapon upon a person with a semi-automatic firearm. The 14-year-old male was booked into the Butte County Juvenile Hall for public intoxication.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact the Chico Police Department.

Location: 1500 Block of Arch Way

Victims: Withheld 

Suspect: Oscar Sanchez, 18 years old of Chico

               14-year-old male of Chico

Supervisor:  Sgt. John Nickelson S10

Lieutenant: Lt. Ben Love L9

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