Chico man fled traffic stop and fired on deputy, Butte Sheriff’s Office states
A Chico man was arrested Saturday evening after he attempted to flee a traffic stop and fired on a deputy during the pursuit, according to a Butte County Sheriff’s Office news release.
Deputies attempted to stop a vehicle around 10 p.m. near Wood and Elwood drives in Magalia after being alerted that the same vehicle fled Chico police the previous day, according to the new release. The vehicle failed to stop and sheriff’s deputies gave chase through the unincorporated area of Butte County. The vehicle went southwest down Centerville Road in the direction of Chico.
The driver, who was alone in the vehicle, fired shots out the back window at the pursuing officer, according to the release. The vehicle eventually crashed into a ditch. The driver exited the vehicle, fired more shots and fled on foot.
The Butte officer returned fire, according to the release.
An investigation led the Chico Police Department and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Teams to find the driver in an apartment at the 1100 block of West Sacramento Avenue in Chico. The man, who had other outstanding warrants, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of a police officer.
No one was ultimately injured in the shooting, the sheriff’s office stated.
The Butte County Officer Involved Shooting Incident Protocol Team is conducting an investigation.
Butte County District Attorney’s Office is seeking more information from the public and can be contacted at 530-538-7411.
This story was originally published February 15, 2026 at 1:56 PM.
