Suspected arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon

On 7-10-23 at approximately 5:04 AM, the Chico Police Department received a 911 call from a citizen regarding a rear end traffic collision in the area of W. 8^th Street and Cedar Street. The victim reported that he believed the collision to have been an intentional act and would wait for police to arrive. While on the phone with CPD Dispatch, the victim reported that the driver of the other vehicle hit the victim’s vehicle again and proceeded to hit the vehicle a third time. The victim advised the driver of the other vehicle, identified as John Fowler, got out of his vehicle, hitting the victim’s driver window and threatened to shoot him. The victim drove away for his safety.

Fowler began chasing the victim with his own vehicle, intentionally colliding with the victim’s vehicle several times while police were responding to the scene. Officers arrived in the area and witnessed Fowler’s vehicle traveling at an unsafe distance to the victim’s vehicle, with it appearing that Fowler’s vehicle was attempting to strike the victim’s vehicle. Officers contacted the victim and Fowler in the area of W. 1^st Street and Orange Street. The victim’s vehicle sustained major damage, with Fowler’s vehicle sustaining minor damage. There were no injuries as a result of the intentional collisions. At this time, there is no known connection between the victim and Fowler and appears to be a random act of violence.

Fowler was ultimately arrested on five counts of 245(a)(1) PC (assault with a deadly weapon), one count of 422 PC (criminal threats), and a violation of his parole.

Location: W. 8^th Street near Cedar Street

Victim: Withheld

Suspects: John Fowler, 63 years old of Oroville

Supervisor:  Sgt. John Nickelson

Watch Commander: Lt. Rodden