Police shooting justified

After investigating the shooting last month of robbery suspect Eddie Gabriel Sanchez Jr., the Butte County Officer Involved Shooting/Critical Incident Protocol Team has determined that Chico Police Det. Mark Bass was justified in his actions.

Sanchez, a known gang member from Paradise, had been fingered in a convenience store armed robbery Nov. 6 in which surveillance video clearly showed his face and a missing trigger finger, said District Attorney Mike Ramsey (pictured) during a presentation to the press by Tuesday (Dec. 1). A second suspect is still outstanding.

On Nov. 10, CPD officers began surveillance of the Pomona Avenue home where Sanchez was staying. According to Ramsey, Sanchez discovered Bass and partner David Bailey and, instead of getting to the ground as ordered, ran off and pulled out a handgun, pointing it toward the officers. Bass pulled his trigger, firing three shots and striking Sanchez twice in the head.