Chico Workplace Stabbing Foiled Before Mass Attack; Suspect Arrested for Attempted Murder After Dramatic Rescue

CHICO, Calif. — June 19, 2025 — A workplace stabbing in Chico led to a dramatic rescue, a swift police response, and the arrest of a man now facing serious charges, including attempted murder. The terrifying incident unfolded just before 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, when a violent confrontation erupted between two employees at a local business.

According to the Chico Police Department, the city’s emergency communications center received a frantic 911 call from a business reporting that one employee had stabbed another. Responding officers arrived within minutes to a chaotic and dangerous scene. Employees had managed to evacuate themselves from the building, but the victim was discovered trapped in a rear patio area. Police quickly learned the suspect had remained inside the building, deliberately blocking the victim’s only means of escape.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, patrol officers sprang into action. They launched an immediate rescue operation and successfully breached a fence at the rear of the business to reach the injured employee. The victim, whose name has not been released, was safely evacuated and treated at the scene for minor injuries that fortunately did not require hospitalization.

Meanwhile, law enforcement mobilized additional resources to de-escalate the situation. A trained crisis negotiator, detectives, and officers equipped with less-lethal options were dispatched to assist. Their goal was clear: to bring the suspect into custody without further violence. After a tense standoff, the suspect ultimately surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody without any force being used.

The suspect has been identified as 30-year-old Kevin Leeson, a resident of Chico. In the hours following his arrest, investigators uncovered chilling details about his motives. Authorities say Leeson had planned to target multiple coworkers and that his violent actions could have led to a mass casualty event. Fortunately, those plans were disrupted by the quick thinking of the business’s staff and the swift, strategic actions of the Chico Police Department and other emergency personnel.

Leeson has been booked into Butte County Jail and is facing charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Officials have not released information about what may have motivated the attack, but the investigation remains ongoing.

Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge praised the efforts of both his officers and the employees at the business for their composure and swift response under pressure.

“This could have ended much differently,” Chief Aldridge said in a statement. “Thanks to the courage of the victims and the professionalism of our responding officers and support teams, a potentially tragic situation was brought under control without further harm. We are grateful for the outcome, but we take very seriously the danger posed and will continue our investigation to ensure justice is served.”

Residents and business owners in the area have expressed shock at the event, but many are also praising law enforcement for preventing what could have become a far more deadly attack.

Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Chico Police Department as the investigation continues.