June 3, 2019

CAMP FIRE UPDATE

The updated numbers and statistics from today, related to the Camp Fire, are as follows:

• The fatality count stands at 85.
• Of the 85 fatalities, 6 have been tentatively identified, and 77 have been positively identified and NOK has been notified, 2 unknowns.

Releasable names

• Ishka Heffern, 20 of Paradise
• Matilde Heffern, 68 of Paradise

May 29, 2019

-UPDATE-

BCSO DETECTIVES INVESTIGATE SUSPICIOUS DEATHS AS DOUBLE MURDER SUICIDE

Oroville, Ca—Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of three people who were located on Yellow Hammer Drive in Oroville, on May 28, 2019.

Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears that there was a domestic dispute at the residence within the past two weeks. BCSO Detectives have recovered evidence that lead them to believe that following the domestic dispute, Francesco Milone, age 32, from Oroville, shot and killed his wife, Kaela Steele, age 30, from Oroville, and their 8 year old son, Franklin Milone. Francesco Milone subsequently took his own life.

The exact cause of death is pending and will not be released until after autopsies have been completed.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone familiar with this family or their background is encouraged to contact BCSO Investigations Unit at 530.538.7671.

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May 28, 2019

WELFARE CHECK LEADS TO INVESTIGATION INTO SUSPICIOUS DEATHS

Oroville, Ca—On May 28, 2019, at approximately 8:45 PM, Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) received a call from a citizen reporting that he had not heard from his sister in over a week. The reporting party described a smell coming from the driveway of his sister’s residence and requested a welfare check.

BCSO Deputies immediately responded to the residence in the area of Yellow Hammer Drive cross of Tyme Way in Oroville. Prior to deputies arrival, the reporting party called back to let BCSO dispatch know he had opened a window and could see his sister on the floor of the residence. BCSO Deputies arrived on scene and made entry into the residence, ultimately locating three deceased individuals.

BCSO Investigations Unit is currently on scene collecting evidence and information. This is an ongoing investigation, limited information is available at this time. As the investigation progresses, additional information will be released. Anyone with information is encouraged to call BCSO Investigations Unit at 530.538.7671.

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May 28, 2019

WELFARE CHECK LEADS TO INVESTIGATION INTO SUSPICIOUS DEATHS

Oroville, Ca—On May 28, 2019, at approximately 8:45 PM, Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) received a call from a citizen reporting that he had not heard from his sister in over a week. The reporting party described a smell coming from the driveway of his sister’s residence and requested a welfare check.

BCSO Deputies immediately responded to the residence in the area of Yellow Hammer Drive cross of Tyme Way in Oroville. Prior to deputies arrival, the reporting party called back to let BCSO dispatch know he had opened a window and could see his sister on the floor of the residence. BCSO Deputies arrived on scene and made entry into the residence, ultimately locating three deceased individuals.

BCSO Investigations Unit is currently on scene collecting evidence and information. This is an ongoing investigation, limited information is available at this time. As the investigation progresses, additional information will be released. Anyone with information is encouraged to call BCSO Investigations Unit at 530.538.7671.

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May 27, 2019

BCSO DEPUTY DEPLOYS K9 TO ASSIST IN DETAINING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUSPECT

Oroville, Ca--On May 27, 2019 the Butte County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of V-6 Rd and Lower Wyandotte, Oroville for a report of domestic violence. Prior to deputies arrival, they learned the suspect in this case, Robert Ray Kongle age 26 of Oroville, twisted the victim’s hand causing injury. Robert Kongle has extensive history with the Sheriff’s Office and is currently on felony probation for Obstructing or Resisting an Executive Officer in the Performance of Their Duties Using Force or Violence. 

Deputy Vaj Thao was the first Deputy on scene and observed two subjects inside a vehicle who appeared to be in a struggle. Shortly after Deputy Thao’s arrival, Kongle exited the passenger side of the vehicle. Deputy Thao immediately made contact with Kongle and ordered him away from the vehicle. Kongle ignored Deputy Thao’s orders to move away from the vehicle, paced side to side, and was acting aggressively as if he was under the influence of a controlled substance. Deputy Thao again ordered Kongle away from the vehicle and to the ground. Kongle ignored Thao’s orders and actually got back into the vehicle. Within a short amount of time, the driver door of the vehicle came open and it appeared that the victim was pushed from the vehicle with Kongle following out of the driver door. Once again, Deputy Thao ordered Kongle to step away from the vehicle, and onto the ground. Kongle again ignored all orders from Deputy Thao, got back in the vehicle, and closed the driver door.

For fear Kongle was going to evade arrest by vehicle pursuit, the fact that he was acting aggressively, he was exhibiting behavior consistent with being under the influence of a controlled substance, there were claims of domestic violence, and the prior history with this agency with regard to resisting arrest with violence and assault on a peace officer, Deputy Thao deployed his canine partner, “Rico” into the passenger compartment of the vehicle. “Rico” made contact with Kongle, at which point Kongle drug the canine out of the passenger side of the vehicle. Kongle preceded to punch “Rico” multiple times and even attempted to smother him by bear hugging his ribs and face. Kongle continued to resist arrest, but focused his assault on the canine “Rico”. Other deputies arrived on scene and were able to help Deputy Thao get Kongle into handcuffs. 

Kongle was transported to the Oroville Hospital for treatment of his injuries, and then to the Butte County Jail for booking on the charges of Obstructing or Resisting an Executive Officer in the Performance of Their Duties Using Force or Violence (69 California Penal Code, Felony), Assault on a Law Enforcement Canine [600(a) California Penal Code, Misdemeanor], Infliction of Corporal Injury on a Spouse (273.5 California Penal Code, Felony), Violation of probation (1203.2 California Penal Code, Felony), and Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance [11550(a) California Health and Safety, Misdemeanor]. Robert Kongle’s bail was set at $99,000.

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May 20, 2019

TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO RECOVERY OF STOLEN FIREARM AND THREE ARRESTS

Chico, Ca—On May 20, 2019, at approximately 2:23AM, Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Deputy Harper initiated a traffic stop, on a vehicle occupied by four adults,  in the area of East 1st Avenue and Esplanade in Chico.

Deputy Harper requested one of the occupants, identified as Shelton Wardsworth, age 31, from Chico, to exit the vehicle. While Deputy Harper conducted a pat down search, Wardsworth became noticeably nervous. Before Deputy Harper was able to complete the pat down search, Wardsworth fled on foot, running directly into BCSO Deputy Mollath and BCSO Deputy Price.  While struggling to detain Wardsworth, Deputy Price noticed a gun in Wardsworth’s pocket. After an extensive struggle, BCSO Deputies Mollath and Price detained Wardsworth and secured the firearm. Wardsworth was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of stolen property.

Two additional occupants of the vehicle were also arrested. Shatana Goods, age 30, from Chico, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia in addition to a warrant. Andrea Reichenbach, age 44, from Oroville was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.

No shots were fired during this incident. After further review, the firearm was confirmed to be stolen.

Medical personnel responded to the scene to evaluate Wardsworth, in addition to Deputies Mollath and Price. Deputy Price was transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure and has since been released.

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