A man is recovering from serious stab wounds after police say an unidentified attacker forced his way into a home on the 2200 block of Ceres Avenue in North Chico Friday afternoon and stabbed him along with a friend. The suspect fled on foot and remains at large as of Friday night, with Chico Police asking residents to stay alert and report any sightings.
Rotary Centennial Park is located at Ceres Avenue and Whitewood Way in northeast Chico, according to Chico Area Recreation and Park District.
The suspect was captured on camera during the attack, the outlet's report noted. He is described as a Hispanic adult male in his mid-30s with a dark complexion and black curly hair, last seen wearing a black beanie, a black shirt or sweatshirt, and khaki pants. As of Friday, authorities had not located him.
Police Update, Extra Patrols Planned Overnight
Chico Police provided an update at 9:15 p.m. Friday, saying they are still working to identify the suspect, per the department's social media update relayed in the same report. Officers said they would run extra patrols through the neighborhood overnight as the search continues.
Residents in the area are being told to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity or information about the suspect to police. Anyone with home surveillance footage that might show the suspect fleeing is asked to provide it to investigators. People who spot someone matching the description should not approach or confront him and should call 911 immediately, according to the same account.
A Neighborhood With a History of Knife Violence
In October 2024, Chico Police responded to a violent disturbance at Rotary Centennial Park on Ceres Avenue, where a 14-year-old girl stabbed another girl during a group fight, according to a Facebook post citing a Butte County news report.
Chico Police use an automated license plate reader network, with audit requirements and investigator access to the data, as Hoodline has reported. Officers have also used drones in a separate search, including a rescue on the Eaton Road overpass last month.
Potential Charges if Suspect Is Caught
If arrested, the suspect could face significant felony exposure under California law. Assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm is a wobbler offense under Penal Code Section 245(a)(1) that can be charged as a felony carrying two to four years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000, according to Power Trial Lawyers.
How Residents Can Help
Chico Police maintain a 24-hour dispatch center that residents can reach at (530) 897-4911 to report non-emergency tips or submit surveillance clips, according to the City of Chico. Department guidelines specify that 911 should be reserved for active emergencies, while dispatch handles suspicious-activity reports and footage submissions so emergency lines stay open. Victims of violent crime in Butte County can also access crisis support, counseling, and help with medical costs through the District Attorney's Victim/Witness Assistance Program at (530) 891-2812.
