Police say library shooter in Chico sought a Columbine-style attack
An 18-year-old gunman opened fire at the Chico Branch of the Butte County Library, killing two adults and wounding a child before being arrested.
Police Chief Billy Aldridge said officers responded to a 5:12 p.m. 911 call reporting an active shooter at the Chico Branch of the Butte County Library. Audio from the call captured gunshots and screaming. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Bradley Scott Sayer, fled out the back of the building as officers entered and was taken into custody without a shot being fired at police.
Two adults were killed and a child was transported to Enloe Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities said Sayer acted alone and had no known connection to the victims. The department indicated that his motivation appeared to be a desire to carry out a massacre similar to the 1999 Columbine High School shooting.
Sayer was booked on two counts of murder at Butte County Jail. Police closed streets around Sherman Avenue and East 3rd Street and asked the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues. Victims’ names will be released after families are notified. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chico Police Department.