Chico man arrested after unleashing chaos on gas station bathroom
PHOTO: Chico Police Department
Chico Police have arrested a man after a contentious encounter in which he reportedly locked himself in a gas station bathroom and wrecked up the place while making bogus 9-1-1 calls.
Just after 1:30 AM on January 29, dispatch got a call from an employee at the 7-Eleven on Walnut Street about a man who had locked himself in the bathroom after being asked to leave due to erratic behavior.
Employees said the individual, identified as 52-year-old Dennis Bryant, had armed himself with an edged weapon beforehand. At some point he also allegedly began making bogus calls to 9-1-1 from his cellphone.
Officer Aron
Responding officers, a behavioral health counselor, and hostage negotiators attempted to convince Bryant to come out peacefully. Numerous de-escalation techniques were attempted and all failed.
Finally, the door was forced open and K-9 officer Aron was sent in to retrieve him.
Bryant was taken into custody with minor injuries from the use of a K-9 and was treated at a local hospital. Police say he also assaulted K-9 Aron, but did not inflict any injuries.
Once Bryant was medically cleared, he was booked at the Butte County Jail on suspicion of burglary, assault on a police K-9, obstruction, trespassing, vandalism, exhibiting a deadly weapon, unlawful use of 9-1-1, and arson.
Police say he partially flooded the store, destroyed the bathroom, and tried to set it on fire while he was locked in.
