By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- Bradley Scott Sayer, 18, a Chico resident, was arrested and charged with two counts of murder following a shooting June 22 at the Butte County Library that left two adults dead and a juvenile injured.
- Officers arrived at the library approximately six minutes after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots and screaming, formed an entry team, and apprehended Sayer as he fled out the rear of the building.
- Investigators determined Sayer acted alone with no prior relationship to the victims; authorities believe his motivation was driven by a desire to emulate the 1999 Columbine High School massacre.
- No shots were exchanged between the suspect and responding officers; the juvenile victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
- Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge emphasized authorities found no indication of ongoing public threat and that the investigation continues with assistance from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
CHICO, CALIF. — Bradley Scott Sayer, 18, was arrested and booked into Butte County Jail on two open counts of murder following a shooting at the Butte County Library on June 22 that claimed two adult lives and injured a juvenile.
The Chico Police and Fire Communications Center received multiple 911 calls at approximately 5:12 p.m. reporting gunshots and screaming inside the library. Dispatchers heard an open line with callers describing active gunfire. Multiple Chico police officers and surrounding agencies responded to what Police Chief Billy Aldridge characterized as an active shooter incident. Officers arrived at the library at approximately 5:18 p.m. and quickly formed an entry team.
As officers made entry, Sayer fled out the back of the building where police had already established a perimeter. Officers apprehended him shortly thereafter without incident. Authorities confirmed no shots were exchanged between the suspect and responding officers during the encounter.
Two adult victims died in the shooting. A juvenile victim was transported to Enloe Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators from the Chico Police Department, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and Federal Bureau of Investigation determined Sayer acted alone and found no indication he had any prior relationship with or connection to the victims.
Investigators determined that Sayer’s motivation was driven by a desire to carry out a shooting similar to the 1999 Columbine High School massacre. Chief Aldridge stated that authorities do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public. “We have one person in custody and further investigation is occurring,” Aldridge said.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. The large-scale response involved the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, California State Parks and Recreation, Cal Fire, Butte College, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chico Police Detective Bureau at 530-897-5820.