Stolen Firearm Located During DUI Investigation

On 10/18/22 at approximately 0103 hrs. a Chico Police Officer on routine patrol observed a vehicle violate several provisions of the California Vehicle Code near E. 20th St. and Highway 99. The officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle. During the stop, the officer established that the driver of the vehicle, 22-year-old Atlantic Aguilar, was driving under the influence of alcohol. Aguilar was arrested for DUI.

Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located a semi-automatic firearm with a fully loaded with a high-capacity magazine. Officers learned that the firearm had been reported stolen out of Orland PD. The officer subsequently arrested the passenger of the vehicle, 24 year old Francisco Miguel Mendez for the following violations, 25850( c ) (2) PC (Possession of a Loaded Stolen Firearm), 25850( c )(6) PC, Possession of an Unregistered Loaded Firearm, and 32310( c ) PC, Possession of a High-Capacity Magazine.

Both Aguilar and Mendez were transported to the Butte County Jail for the aforementioned charges.

Case Number: 22-002014

Location: 2000 Business Ln. Chico, CA

Victim: State of California

Suspects: Atlantic Aguilar, 22, Francisco Miguel Mendez, 24

Supervisor: Sergeant David Bailey

Watch Commander: Lieutenant Michael Rodden

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