February 25, 2019

MULTIPLE FIREARMS SEIZED ON TRAFFIC STOP

Chico, Ca--On February 24, 2019, Deputies Barker and Galvez were doubled up on patrol in the Chico area.  Deputy Barker initiated a traffic stop on a small Toyota pickup in the area of Esplanade and Aspen Glen Drive.  The pickup did not have a working license plate light.

While contacting the two males in the vehicle, Deputy Galvez saw part of a rifle under items of clothing on the rear floorboard.  Deputies removed the men from the vehicle and detained them before conducting a search of the vehicle. 

The search resulted in the seizure of a 45 caliber pistol, an AK-47 assault rifle, an AR-15 assault rifle, and loaded high capacity magazines. 

21-year-old Cristian Jesus Lambera Pimentel and 28-year-old Jorge Mardanado Castaneda were arrested for a Concealed Firearm in a Vehicle, Carrying a Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle, two counts of Illegally Possessing an Assault Weapon, and two counts of Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine. Both men were booked at the Butte County Jail with bail set in the amount of $64,000.

February 21, 2019
EXPLOSION IN NORTH CHICO NEIGHBORHOOD LEADS TO THE DISCOVERY OF BUTANE HONEY OIL LAB

Chico-Ca--On 02/19/19, the Chico Police Department received telephone calls from concerned citizens in the 2600 block of Burnap Avenue, regarding a large explosion.  Upon arrival, Chico Police found a residence missing its garage door, which had been blown off.  It was determined the explosion was due to a closed loop butane honey oil lab that had exploded in the residence.  No individuals were located at the home, however, several witnesses stated multiple people fled the residence prior to law enforcement’s arrival.

The Butte County Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) took over the investigation with the assistance of the Butte Inter-Agency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF).
The investigation revealed the explosion caused the garage door to blow off its track as well as lift the roof off the home, causing other explosion damage to the residence.  Evidence of a fire was located but was extinguished by Fire personnel prior to law enforcement’s arrival.  

A leaking closed loop butane honey oil lab was Located inside the home.  Law Enforcement cut power and gas to the home while SEU Detectives rendered the butane honey oil lab safe.

A total of 23 ounces of hash oil, 261 vape pens, 158 pounds of marijuana, and 2 hits of LSD were located in the residence.

The investigation revealed the location was being used as an illegal hash oil manufacturing location making vape pens for an illegal Chico based mobile dispensary; all in violation of California’s Proposition 64 and state law.  

One of the four suspects was later located;  Brittney Larsen, Age 28 of Chico, was arrested for felony manufacturing a controlled substance, maintaining a residence for drug sales, and felony child endangerment.  Larsen’s 5-month-old child was present when the hash lab exploded and the child’s bedroom was being used to store a large amount of marijuana.  Larsen’s bail has been set at $300,000.00 and she is currently still in custody.


          

February 21, 2019
CAMP FIRE UPDATE FEBRUARY 21, 2019

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

• The fatality count stands at 85. 
• The unaccounted for number stands at two. 
• 1 remains identified and Next of Kin notified
o Releasable name: Dorothy Lee-Herrera, 93 of Paradise
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February 7, 2019
CAMP FIRE UPDATE FEBRUARY 7, 2019
Butte County, Ca— Updated information regarding the Camp Fire is as follows: 
The fatality count for the Camp Fire dropped from 86 to 85 due to the fact that remains previously thought to be two individuals were recently identified as the same individual.
The unaccounted for number also dropped and now stands at two. Sacramento Police Department recently located John Demianew, who had been listed as unaccounted for after the Camp Fire. Demianew had an active warrant for his arrest and was taken into custody by Sacramento Police. 
Two remains have been identified and Next of Kin notified:
• Chris Maltby, 69 of Paradise
• Ronald Schenk, 75 of Paradise

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January 29, 2019
SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY OBSERVED BY BCSO DEPUTIES IN MAGALIA RESULTS IN TWO ARRESTS
Magalia, Ca--On the evening of 01-26-19, Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) deputies observed suspicious activity in the parking lot of the Discount Liquor Store in Magalia. This business was destroyed during the Camp Fire. Deputies contacted two subjects who were associated with a vehicle in the parking lot. David Eugene Blood, 52 years old of Magalia, was recognized by the deputies from numerous prior contacts. David Blood was walking out of the burnt rubble of the store. The other subject, Kenneth Zimmerman, 51 years old of Magalia, was also well known to the deputies. Blood was in possession of property obviously stolen from the business.
Deputies conducted a search of Blood’s vehicle, locating a loaded 45 caliber handgun in Blood’s backpack. As deputies attempted to detain David Blood, he punched one of the deputies in the face. Blood also made threats to kill deputies. A brief fight between deputies and David Blood ensued. Both Blood and Zimmerman were detained and arrested.
David Blood was transported to the hospital for medical treatment before being booked at the jail. The deputy that was assaulted suffered an injury to his hand, which required treatment at the hospital.
David Blood was booked at the Butte County Jail for charges including: Obstructing/Resisting a Peace Officer with Force or Violence (Felony), Battery on a Peace Officer (Felony), Possessing a Loaded Concealed Firearm Within a Vehicle (Felony), Possession of an Open Container (Infraction), and Obstructing a Public Officer (Misdemeanor). His bail was set at $68,000.
Kenneth Wayne Zimmerman was booked at the Butte County Jail for Public Intoxication (Misdemeanor).
Further investigation revealed that David Blood is the subject of a restraining order and prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Additional charges for these felonies will be sought with the Butte County District Attorney’s Office.