Chico Police Arrest Juvenile Suspect for Allegedly Shooting at Occupied Vehicle
CHICO, CA — “Shortly after 4am on October 5, 2026 the Chico Police Department received multiple calls reporting hearing shots and screaming in the area of Ceres Ave. and Garden Park Dr. Officers responded to the area but were unable to locate any evidence of a shooting. Approximately 15 minutes later, we received information that a witness recorded the incident.
According to witness statements, a juvenile male suspect assaulted a known juvenile female. Shortly following that encounter, the male suspect fired shots at an occupied vehicle driving in the area. The suspect then fled the scene in a light-colored sedan. At around 6am, the suspect vehicle was located parked outside of a residence on Whitewood Way.
Officers responded to the area and made contact with the occupants of the home, who indicated they were unaware of the suspect’s whereabouts. A shelter in place order was issued to nearby residents while Officers searched for the suspect. Ultimately, witnesses reported having observed the suspect enter the residence a short time before Officers arrived on scene. After a subsequent surround and callout was conducted, all occupants, including the suspect, exited the home without further incident. The suspect surrendered and was taken into custody around 7:30am. During a search of the residence, two firearms were recovered in a backpack belonging to the suspect.
All involved parties in this incident are known to one another, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
A 16-year-old male suspect was arrested, and the following charges will be forwarded to Butte County Probation for review. Based on their recommendation, charges may be filed with the Butte County District Attorney’s Office.
• 246 PC: Shoot at inhabited vehicle (F)
• 245(A)(2) PC: Aggravated assault with a firearm (F)
• 25850(A) PC: Carry loaded firearm in public (F)
• 29610(A) PC: Minor in possession of handgun (F)
• 32310(A) PC: Manufacturing large capacity magazine (F)
• 243(E)(1) PC: Domestic battery (M)”
