Subject Arrested for Theft and Resisting Arrest

Between February 1 and February 8, the Chico Police Department and at times with the assistance of Butte County Mental Health Crisis workers have responded to the 3000 block of the Esplanade 13 times regarding the same subject, Brandon Whitlow (36).

The thirteen calls for service were regarding:

*Public nudity

*Throwing rocks at passing vehicles

* Hitting golf balls at passing vehicles

 *Vandalism

*Public intoxication

*Trespassing to include climbing onto the roofs of neighbors

*Burglary

During the incidents, those citizens involved did not want to pursue a criminal complaint or at the time of contact Whitlow did not meet the criteria for a mental health hold. At other times, just as officers arrived, Whitlow would run into his residence not come out or respond to officers.

Today, February 8th at approximately 2:15 p.m. Jamba Juice at the corner of Broadway St. and W. 2nd St. called to report a subject inside the store had just taken their tip jar, demanded free food, and refused to leave until they did so. This subject turned out to be Brandon Whitlow.

Officers responded to the store and attempted to contact Whitlow. Whitlow ran from officers despite their orders to stop. Officers caught up to Whitlow in the 300 block of Flume St. where Whitlow had gone up the stairs of a private residence and refused to come down from the porch.

After several minutes of negotiating with Whitlow, Whitlow attempted to open the front door to the residence. Fortunately, the resident had locked the door prior to. Officers made their way up the stairs and onto the porch to effect an arrest. Whitlow immediately physically resisted by pushing officers and taking a fighting stance. Officers were able to take Whitlow into custody after several minutes of resistance.

Whitlow was placed in a full body restraint system preventing him from injuring officers or himself while being transported to the Butte County Jail.

Whitlow, nor any officers suffered injuries during the arrest. Whitlow was transported to the Butte County Jail and booked for resisting arrest and theft.

Location: W. 2nd St and Broadway St. Chico

Date/Time: February 8, 2022 @ 2:15 p.m.

Suspect: Brandon Whitlow, 36 years old, of Chico, CA.

Supervisor: Sergeant Mark Bass

Watch Commander: Lt. Ben Love