Two Chico brothers are behind bars after what police describe as a months-long investigation into a string of reckless shootings along the Nord Avenue corridor. Officers say detectives traced weapons used in at least one Columbus Avenue shooting back to a home where search warrants were served on April 16, with Chico Police SWAT on hand to help carry out the arrests without incident.
Chico police identified the suspects as 19-year-old Armando Carranza and 22-year-old Angel Garcia, both taken into custody on April 16. Investigators say the brothers were likely holding an arsenal of illegal weapons, including unserialized ghost guns, stolen firearms, fully automatic firearms and short-barreled assault rifles. Carranza was booked into the Butte County Jail on counts that include shooting at an inhabited dwelling, possession of a machine gun, illegal possession of an assault weapon, unlawful sex with a minor more than three years younger, and annoying or molesting a child. Garcia faces counts including two counts of negligent discharge of a firearm, two counts of illegal possession of an assault weapon, and possession of an undetectable firearm, according to Action News Now.
Search Turns Up Military-Style Stash
Detectives say search warrants at a home in the 1200 block of Nord Avenue revealed a cache of illegal assault rifles, a machine gun, multiple handguns, ammunition, extended and drum magazines, electronic devices and other evidence. Investigators also determined that the same revolver had been used in the Columbus Avenue shooting reported on Nov. 17, 2025, at about 9:50 p.m., and officers recovered a firearm with blood on it at a Dec. 27 stabbing scene in the 700 block of Nord Avenue. The case has been forwarded to the Butte County District Attorney's Office for review, according to Action News Now.
Ongoing Case And Community Tips
Detectives and SWAT operators took the brothers into custody without incident and say the investigation is still active while prosecutors review the evidence. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Chico Police Department Detective Bureau at (530) 897-5820, according to the City of Chico Police Department.
What Happens Next In Court
The charges described by police include firearms offenses that carry significant state penalties, and prosecutors with the Butte County District Attorney's Office will decide whether to file additional counts or adjust the complaints. If the DA moves forward, the case will head into arraignment and pretrial hearings in Butte County court, where judges will address bail and set future dates.
