Chico, CA- On Sunday, March 26, 2017, at about 10:50 am, Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputies were dispatched to Lone Pine Avenue near Chico River Road in Chico after a passerby noticed a body in Little Chico Creek. Deputies arrived and found a deceased male in the water. Butte County Search and Rescue crews were dispatched to the scene to retrieve the body and BCSO detectives were also dispatched to investigate. Through fingerprint analysis, the body has been identified as William Kohnke, age 33, of Chico. William was reported missing to the Chico Police Department in January 2017.

BCSO detectives, in conjunction with the Chico Police Department, are investigating this case as a homicide, due to evidence collected at the scene.

An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death and the investigation is ongoing. No arrests have been made and anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Jim Beller at (530) 538-7671.

Chico, CA – On March 27, 2017, at about 1:30 am, the Chico Police Department (CPD) received a 911 call regarding a stabbing victim in the area of Miller Avenue and Pomona Avenue, Chico. CPD Officers and medical arrived on-scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The victim is expected to survive his injuries.
CPD determined the stabbing actually took place inside a home on the 500 block of Pomona Avenue which is the Butte County Sheriff’s jurisdiction. CPD requested Deputies respond to take over the investigation.
BCSO Deputies arrived, and with the assistance of CPD, located and processed the crime scene.
Two suspects have been identified as Daniel Hensley and Corey Crews. Deputies are still working on the identity of a third suspect and will release his information and photo once available. The motive is still under investigation.
Hensley and Crews are wanted for attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. They should be considered armed and dangerous. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information to call BCSO at 530-538-7321.

OROVILLE, Calif. (March 22, 2017) – Effective immediately, Butte County Sheriff Kory L. Honea has lifted all evacuation warnings and advisories for Butte County residents previously affected by the February 12^th Oroville Dam spillway emergency evacuations.

“These past six weeks have been a very difficult and unsettling time for many individuals and families affected by the danger posed by fast-moving erosion to the emergency spillway,” said Sheriff Honea.  “I couldn’t be more proud of this community and the countless unsung heroes who helped their neighbors and cared for those who needed it most.”

“I feel satisfied with the progress made in reinforcing the primary spillway, emergency spillway and returning the Hyatt Powerhouse to an operational state, as well as the successful efforts by the California Department of Water Resources to lower the lake level enough to buffer for future storms,” said Honea.  In the coming few months, work will continue to manage the spring runoff inflows to the reservoir.

Additional work continues on the primary spillway, the area below the emergency spillway, access roads, and other areas eroded by the emergency spillway runoff. Rock benches and check dams are being constructed to slow water and minimize erosion should the emergency spillway ever need to be used again.  Sheriff Honea urges all residents to ensure they have an emergency plan and supplies ready for any and all emergencies that may come up throughout the spring season.  An evacuation plan has been developed, and may be accessed by visiting www.buttecounty.net/OEM.

As a reminder, this is the spring runoff season. Water levels and flood concerns can change in the region’s waterways.

It is also important to keep informed by following reliable and accurate sources of information.  Follow the Butte County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook and Twitter, sign up for emergency mass notifications at