Woman Arrested for Drug Use in Presence of Children

On 6/28/22, Chico Police Detectives conducted follow-up investigation, which resulted in the service of a search warrant in the 1100 Block of Shumard Oak Way.

Detectives received information that an inmate of Butte County Jail was in regular communication with a female, and during these phone calls she was actively using heroin and methamphetamine in the presence of young children. Based on the report, Detectives obtained a search warrant to search for narcotics paraphernalia and electronics that would corroborate the information.

Detectives contacted Tara Lee Patterson, two juveniles, and a male subject. During the course of the investigation, Detectives were able to find evidence that supported the allegations. The children were detained for their safety, and Patterson was arrested on suspicion of Child Endangerment (273a(a) of the California Penal Code). Patterson was later transported to Butte County Jail. At Butte County Jail, it was discovered that Patterson had failed to report additional narcotics in her possession. She was found to possess over 5 grams of suspected Heroin. Bringing controlled substances into a jail is a violation of 4573(a) of the California Penal Code.

The safety of our children is Chico Police Department’s most important responsibility.

Location: 1100 Block Shumard Oak Way, Chico CA

Date/Time: 6/28/22 3:00 PM

Incident Case Number: 22-003876

Victims: Names Withheld

Suspect: Tara Lee Patterson (30 yrs old)

Supervisor: Sgt. Nick Bauer

Watch Commander: Lt. Miller