Man arrested for arson at Chico Rite Aid

CHICO, California — A suspect was arrested on arson charges after a fire was set at a Chico Rite Aid store Monday night, according to police.

The Chico Police Department (CPD) said it received the first calls around 9 p.m. on Monday, May 27, that the Rite Aid Pharmacy at 640 Mangrove Avenue in Chico was possibly on fire.

According to CPD, a reporter on scene said a male subject dressed all in black was observed throwing what appeared to be burning objects into a hole on the side of the pharmacy. He then reported to CPD that he saw flames and smoke coming from the store.

Chico Police and Fire Department officers were dispatched and quickly arrived on scene.

When one of the officers arrived at the scene, he noticed a person at the back of the store who matched the description of the suspect, according to CPD.

According to CPD, the officer was able to make contact and arrest the person without incident.

The perpetrator, who was later identified as 32-year-old Naden Puttock from Redlands, California, was clearly identified as the perpetrator, the CPD said.

According to CPD, the investigation revealed that Puttock lit items on fire and then placed them in a drainpipe that led to the roof of the pharmacy.

The Chico Fire Department was able to contain and extinguish the fire.

According to CPD, the fire appeared to be confined to the downspout and a small portion of the gutters.

However, the exact extent of the fire damage to the building is not yet known at the time of this press release.

Puttock was arrested for arson of an inhabited structure and taken to the Butte County Jail.

None of the company’s employees were injured in the incident.