February 1, 2023
VANDALISM ARREST

Between January 6, 2023 and January 31, 2023, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) received approximately 14 reports of vehicles being vandalized. Each of the incidents were similar and involved an unknown individual throwing a rock through vehicle windows. The incidents all occurred in the area off of Entler Avenue, Chico, as well as within the community of Durham. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, conducted an ongoing investigation, including surveillance and neighborhood canvases.
On February 1, 2023, at approximately 1:15 a.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop on the suspect, identified as Kristopher Mueller, age 33 of Durham, and found him to be in possession of evidence consistent with the crimes. Mueller was arrested for 10 counts of felony vandalism and was booked into the Butte County Jail, with a bail of $150,000. The investigation is ongoing. If you have additional information pertaining to the investigation, please contact Sgt. D’Amato at (530) 538-7321.

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January 25, 2023

$50,000 REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO AN ARREST AND CONVICTION FOR THE MURDER OF TYLER DICKSON

On July 03, 2021, Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputies were dispatched to the Bidwell Canyon Campground, which is owned and operated by California State Parks, to assist with a homicide investigation. During the initial response, State Parks Peace Officers requested BCSO assume jurisdiction over the investigation.

Detectives responded and determined that 20-year-old Tyler Dickson, of San Pablo, was fatally shot while sleeping inside a tent. Detectives initiated a homicide investigation. Over the past 18 months, detectives have actively and zealously investigated this case, however it has remained unsolved.
In 2021, BCSO requested Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office issue a reward through the Governor’s Reward Program to encourage those with pertinent information to come forward. After reviewing the circumstances of the case, Governor Newsom’s Office issued a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction for the murder of Tyler Dickson.
The Sheriff’s Office is committed to solving this case. We very much want to bring closure to Tyler’s family and friends and see to it that the person(s) responsible for Tyler’s murder are held accountable. Our hearts go out to Tyler’s family and we are hopeful that this reward will renew public interest in the case and ultimately result in justice for Tyler.
BCSO encourages those with pertinent information to come forward. Anyone with information is requested to contact Detective Zach Price at 530-538-7671.
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January 19, 2023
Burglary and Vandalism Arrest
Biggs, CA- On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at approximately 5:50 a.m., a citizen contacted the Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) dispatch center and reported someone was breaking into the Pizza Round-up restaurant, which is located in Biggs.
While deputies were responding to the restaurant, an alarm company called BCSO dispatch and indicated motion sensors inside the restaurant had been activated, which indicated a person was inside the restaurant.
Deputies arrived and determined someone had broken the glass panel located on the restaurant’s front door. Deputies used a vehicle PA system and attempted to communicate with the individual inside the restaurant, who was later identified as Robert Broyles, age 37, of Oroville. After several minutes, deputies contacted Broyles as he attempted to exit the restaurant through a rear door. Broyles was detained without incident.
Deputies conducted an investigation and located evidence that gave them cause to believe Broyles used a rock to break the glass panel. Deputies also located evidence Broyles damaged the restaurant’s alarm panel and took items from inside the restaurant. Broyles was placed under arrest for felony counts of burglary and vandalism.
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January 12, 2023

CONCOW VEHICLE PURSUIT

At approximately 12:20 p.m. on January 11, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) was conducting extra patrol in the area of Concow Road, Concow.

While conducting extra patrol, a BCSO deputy attempted to pull over the driver of a Honda Accord near Jordan Hill Road, due to the vehicle’s registration being expired. The driver of the Honda failed to pull over, and BCSO deputies were involved in a short vehicle pursuit. The driver eventually stopped the vehicle, and the driver and a passenger fled on foot.

Deputies searched the area and located one of the occupants of the vehicle. The occupant was identified as Sarah Zedaker, age 30, of Concow. Zedaker was confirmed to have a warrant for her arrest.

After the pursuit and during a search of the vehicle, a firearm was located. This is an active investigation, and BCSO deputies are in the process of confirming the identity of the second occupant of the vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy Astrologo at 530-538-7321.

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December 23, 2022



BUTTE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SWAT TEAM PEACEFULLY RESOLVES ARMED STANDOFF

On December 22, 2022, around 5:25 p.m. a victim called 911 and reported a suspect, who was later identified as Andrew Atencio, age 31, of Oroville, was inside his residence. The victim explained he arrived home from work, opened the front door to his residence, and encountered Atencio. Atencio had armed himself with a firearm that he located inside the victim’s residence. During the encounter, Atencio pointed the firearm at the victim. The victim was able to escape and immediately contacted the Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).
Deputies immediately responded to the victim’s residence, which is located on Self Lane, Oroville. Upon arrival, deputies determined Atencio was armed with a firearm and had barricaded himself inside the victim’s residence.
Deputies and detectives determined Atencio is on felony Post Release Community Supervision and is required to wear a GPS ankle monitor. Detectives contacted the Butte County Probation Department and determined that within the past 24 hours Atencio was involved in a vehicle accident near the victim’s residence. Probation officers determined that after the vehicle accident, Atencio removed his GPS ankle monitor and fled on foot prior to the California Highway Patrol arriving to investigate the accident.
After obtaining information from the victim, detectives obtained a no bail arrest warrant for Atencio for multiple felonies to include: burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Based on Atencio’s conduct and history, BCSO was concerned that if Atencio evaded arrest, he would pose a danger to others he may encounter. To mitigate that risk, the BCSO Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and the BCSO Hostage Negotiations Team (HNT) were called.
BCSO SWAT and HNT Team members communicated with Atencio for several hours. During the communications, de-escalation tactics were utilized. After several hours, SWAT and HNT Team members convinced Atencio to exit the residence and surrender. Atencio was taken into custody without incident.
After the arrest, the loaded firearm Atencio pointed at the victim was located by detectives inside the victim’s residence.