A quiet afternoon at a Northern California library turned deadly when a gunman opened fire inside the building, killing two adults and injuring a child before trying to run out the back.
The shooting happened Monday, June 22, at the Chico branch of the Butte County Library in Chico, California.
Police said dispatchers began receiving multiple 911 calls at 5:12 p.m. reporting gunshots and screaming inside the library, which was open to the public at the time.
Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge said one 911 line remained open during the chaos, allowing dispatchers to hear gunfire and people screaming in the background.
Officers arrived at the library at 5:18 p.m. and quickly formed an entry team. As police went through the front doors, the suspected shooter ran out the back of the building, where officers had already set up a perimeter.
He was taken into custody without incident.
Police have since identified the suspect as 18-year-old Bradley Scott Sayer of Chico. Authorities said he acted alone and used a single firearm. There was no exchange of gunfire between officers and the suspect.
Two adults were killed in the attack. Their names have not yet been publicly released pending notification of their families.
A juvenile was also injured and taken to Enloe Hospital. Authorities said the child’s injuries were not life-threatening.
Police said investigators believe Sayer wanted to carry out a “Columbine High School massacre type” shooting. Authorities have not publicly explained what evidence led them to that conclusion, but they said the suspect had no known connection to the victims.
Sayer was booked into the Butte County Jail on suspicion of two counts of murder. He is expected to make a court appearance Thursday.
The FBI and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office are assisting Chico police as the investigation continues.
After the shooting, First Avenue was shut down between Sheridan and Arbutus while investigators worked the scene. Police also set up reunification efforts for people who had been inside or near the library.
Butte County officials said they were “aware of the tragic incident” at the Chico branch and offered condolences to the victims, their loved ones, library staff and everyone affected by the violence.
All Butte County Library branches were closed Tuesday, June 23, following the shooting. According to a notice from the library system, branches are expected to reopen Wednesday, June 24.
Officials urged the public to avoid the area and follow the Chico Police Department for official updates.
