Butte County, CA – The Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has confirmed that one of its deputies was involved in a fatal officer-involved shooting on Tuesday, following a tense and potentially deadly confrontation with a woman armed with a rifle.

The incident unfolded in the 11000 block of Butte Creek Island Road, a rural area east of Chico, after deputies were dispatched in response to a report of a disturbance. According to BCSO, the call involved a woman who was reportedly threatening another individual’s life, prompting an urgent response from law enforcement.

Upon arrival at the scene, deputies encountered a woman visibly armed with a rifle. Authorities say that the situation escalated rapidly. The woman reportedly pointed the rifle at deputies and, in a distressing turn, demanded that they shoot her. Fearing for their safety and the safety of others in the vicinity, one deputy discharged a single round from their service weapon, striking the woman.

Emergency medical assistance was immediately rendered on-site, and the woman was transported to a nearby hospital. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

The identity of the woman has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. Officials have also not released the name of the deputy involved, but said the deputy has been placed on administrative leave, per standard protocol, while an internal and external investigation is conducted.

In a statement issued late Tuesday night, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office expressed sorrow over the tragic outcome. “This is a heartbreaking incident for everyone involved — the family of the deceased, our deputies, and the entire community. Any loss of life is devastating, and our hearts go out to those affected,” the department said.

Investigators with the Butte County Officer-Involved Shooting Protocol Team — which includes members of multiple regional law enforcement agencies — have taken over the case to ensure an impartial and thorough investigation. Body camera footage and other physical evidence from the scene will be reviewed to determine the full sequence of events.

The shooting has drawn attention to the rising number of calls law enforcement receives involving individuals in mental or emotional crisis. While full details about the woman’s state of mind are still unknown, her behavior and verbal statements have led many to speculate that she may have been experiencing a severe mental health episode.

Mental health advocates in the region are urging community leaders and law enforcement agencies to prioritize crisis response training and invest in co-responder models that include mental health professionals alongside police.

“We mourn the loss of life and also call for deeper discussions about how we respond to people in crisis,” said a spokesperson for the Butte County Behavioral Health Department. “Situations like this highlight the urgent need for better tools and resources for both first responders and those struggling with mental health.”

As the investigation continues, the Butte County District Attorney’s Office will review all findings to determine whether the use of deadly force was legally justified under California law. The sheriff’s office has pledged full transparency and cooperation throughout the process.

Anyone with information about the incident or who may have witnessed any part of the events is encouraged to contact the Butte County Sheriff’s Office or the District Attorney’s investigative team.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.