Four Suspects, Including Two Juveniles, Arrested in Oroville Shooting
OROVILLE, CA — “On Saturday, September 12, 2026, at approximately 11:40 p.m., Butte County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the area of V-6 Road and Oroville Bangor Highway in Oroville regarding a report of shots fired. A caller advised that a friend had been shot.
Deputies responded immediately and determined that a large party had been taking place at a residence in the 2400 block of V-6 Road. Upon arrival, deputies located evidence that a shooting had occurred. Deputies also obtained information that a juvenile had been shot and had been driven to Oroville Hospital by individuals who were attending the party. Deputies subsequently responded to Oroville Hospital, where they confirmed that a juvenile victim had been shot at the party.
Deputies conducted an investigation at the scene and obtained a description of the vehicle in which the suspect fled. Four uninvolved vehicles parked at the party were also struck by gunfire.
Just after midnight on September 13, 2026, deputies located the suspect vehicle and conducted a high-risk traffic stop near Hillview Ridge Lane and Executive Parkway in Oroville. Four occupants were detained without incident. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, deputies located a firearm.
Four individuals — two adults and two juveniles — were arrested following the traffic stop. Sarah Jeannine Gardner, 19, and Jonett Brannon, 21, were each arrested on multiple charges, including child abuse likely to produce great bodily injury or death, and possession of a firearm without identifying markings.
A 15-year-old juvenile, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was arrested for being a minor in possession of a handgun, possession of a firearm without identifying markings, and resisting or obstructing a peace officer. A 16-year-old juvenile, who was also a passenger in the vehicle, was arrested as well.
Detectives and deputies conducted an extensive investigation. Detectives located evidence that gave them cause to believe the 16-year-old juvenile was the individual who fired the handgun and shot the juvenile victim. He was booked into juvenile hall on numerous felony charges, including assault with a firearm, being personally armed with a firearm during the commission of a felony, and felony vandalism.
The juvenile victim was transported to an out-of-area hospital, where he is currently receiving care. This remains an ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.”
