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.