Chico, California — On February 28, 2025, at about 6 p.m., Chico Police Officers responded to a report of a shooting in a parking lot near east 2nd street and wall street. Officers located a 43-year-old man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a hospital. Investigators identified 43-year-old Michael Oxley of Chico as the suspect in the shooting and attempted murder. On march 1, the following day, officers located Oxley at an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Nord Avenue. The Crisis Response Unit, SWAT, a Negotiator, Paramedic, and a drone operator were deployed to the scene. When officers arrived, they saw Oxley exiting one of the buildings. Officers identified themselves and ordered him to get on the ground. Oxley did not comply and ran while reaching into a bag. Officers deployed multiple distraction devices, which emit a loud bang and bright flash.
Oxley ran into a building within the complex and retreated into his apartment. Officers established a perimeter and placed the complex on lockdown. During the subsequent attempt to serve Oxley with a search warrant, he confronted officers in the hallway. He was armed with an extended magazine handgun and can of bear spray. Officers deployed additional distraction devices after Oxley continued to ignore orders to drop his weapon and surrender. He then fled to the parking structure of the building. Oxley entered the second floor of the parking garage. An officer positioned on the perimeter saw Oxley and gave multiple commands to stop. Oxley moved to the top floor of the parking garage. Officers maintained a perimeter and repeatedly ordered him to drop the gun. A chico police drone recorded Oxley seated at the top of the parking structure. He was holding the extended magazine handgun between his legs, with both hands and his finger on or near the trigger. For about two hours, a police negotiator attempted to de-escalate and persuade Oxley to drop the gun and surrender peacefully.
During the lengthy negotiation, Oxley expressed a desire to harm himself by provoking officers to shoot him. Officers informed Oxley that lights would be set up and there was no reason to be alarmed and that he should remain seated. Oxley began making movements with his hands and was looking around the area. The negotiator repeatedly instructed Oxley to remain seated. At about 12:30 a.m., Oxley stood up while still holding the gun. Officers deployed less-lethal beanbag rounds. Oxley then fired his gun toward officers at the bottom of the ramp. Officer #6 and three other officers then discharged their service weapons. The following is a portion of the previous video that has been paused and highlighted. It shows Oxley crouching and firing his gun at officers. Officers approached Oxley and secured his firearm. He was pronounced deceased after being evaluated by the certified SWAT team medic on scene. Oxley’s loaded firearm was recovered. The victim of the February 28 shooting survived his injuries.
