Shooting at Butte County Library in Chico leaves two dead, child injured; suspect in custody
An 18-year-old suspect is in custody following a shooting at the Butte County Library in Chico, California, that left two people dead and a child injured. Police identified the alleged shooter as Bradley Scott Sayer of Chico. He has been booked into Butte County Jail on two counts of murder.
Incident Timeline
Police received a 911 call at approximately 5:12 p.m. on Monday, reporting gunshots and screaming from the Chico Branch of the Butte County Library on Sherman Avenue. Officers arrived at the scene at 5:14 p.m.
According to police, as officers entered the building, the suspect fled out the back. He was taken into custody by officers outside the building at 5:16 p.m. No shots were exchanged between the suspect and law enforcement. A civilian video showed police handcuffing a person lying on the ground outside the library.
The suspect used a single firearm during the incident. Eight rounds were fired. Two additional firearms were found in Sayer's vehicle. Police have stated they believe the shooter acted alone and had no prior connection to the victims.
Casualties
The following individuals were killed in the shooting:
- Jacob Hull, 46, of Chico.
- Robert Johnson, 74, of Orland.
A child accompanying Hull sustained non-life-threatening injuries, initially reported as being caused by broken glass. The child was transported to Enloe Hospital and has since been released.
Suspect and Motive
The suspect was identified as Bradley Scott Sayer, 18, of Chico. Police reported that Sayer had recently graduated from Chico High School. He is scheduled for arraignment on June 25 at 3 p.m. in Butte County Superior Court. Attempted murder charges are also being considered.
According to the Chico Police Department, Sayer's motivation was a desire to commit a shooting similar to the Columbine High School massacre. Authorities stated that Sayer did a walkthrough at the library before the shooting and retrieved a shotgun from his vehicle that was used in the attack. He wore a white T-shirt with "natural selection" written in marker.
Aftermath and Investigation
- First Avenue was closed between Sheridan and Arbutus roads for the investigation.
- A family reunification center was established at Chico First Assembly of God Church.
- All Butte County Library branches were closed on Tuesday, June 23.
- Library officials stated the facility had no security at the time of the shooting. Security personnel are now being deployed to all Butte County library locations.
- Multiple agencies are assisting with the investigation.
- Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chico Police Department at (530) 897-4911.