Oroville Man Arrested for Alleged Threats Against Local Charter School
OROVILLE, CA — “On Friday, September 4, 2026, the Oroville Police Department (OPD) became aware of threats involving STREAM Charter School. Officers immediately began investigating the reported threats and notified school officials so appropriate safety precautions could be taken.
During the investigation, officers identified the suspect as Nathaniel Gardner, age 28, of Oroville. Gardner allegedly made threats to multiple individuals, both locally and as far away as Ohio, stating his intention to carry out a shooting at STREAM Charter School.
Gardner is a parent of students who attend STREAM Charter School and is currently restrained from having contact with those children.
Upon receiving information regarding the threats, investigators immediately worked to determine their credibility, whether Gardner had the means to carry them out, and his current whereabouts, while simultaneously ensuring the safety of students and staff at STREAM Charter School.
Gardner, who is currently on probation, is known to the Oroville Police Department from previous incidents involving alleged threats of violence toward family members and law enforcement.
As officers continued investigating, additional officers were assigned to STREAM Charter School as a precaution. The school was placed on a secure hold, officers remained on campus, and additional safety measures were implemented, including staff escorting students as they moved throughout campus.
As part of the immediate response, investigators utilized emergency location information associated with Gardner’s electronic device to assist in determining his whereabouts and alert officers if the device was detected near a school campus.
Investigators determined the device was indicating a location near a residence in the 3200 block of Foothill Boulevard.
Officers developed a tactical plan to locate and safely detain Gardner at the Foothill Boulevard residence.
At approximately 10:00 a.m., officers with the Oroville Police Department, including the Felony Investigations Unit, with assistance from Butte County Probation, successfully located and arrested Gardner without incident.
Gardner was arrested on suspicion of criminal threats related to the threats made against STREAM Charter School and two counts of violation of a domestic violence restraining order.
Following Gardner’s arrest, the secure hold at STREAM Charter School was lifted. Investigators determined there was no ongoing threat to the school, and normal campus operations were able to resume.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Oroville Police Department at (530) 538-2444.”
