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Deputies recover stolen laptop, arrest two men during Chico welfare check
A November 5th welfare check on Nord Avenue in Chico led to two arrests and the return of a laptop reported stolen in 2025.
CHICO, Calif.
A welfare check in a Chico parking lot led to two arrests and the recovery of a laptop that had been reported stolen in 2025, according to sources.
At about 9:21 a.m. on November 5th, 2026, a deputy noticed two men who appeared to be asleep inside a parked vehicle on the 700 block of Nord Avenue.
During the investigation, deputies reported finding drug paraphernalia and a concealed fixed-blade knife carried by one of the men.
A search of the vehicle also turned up two laptops. A records check confirmed that one had been reported stolen to local police in 2025. That laptop was returned to its owner.
Joseph Martinez, 35, of Menlo Park, was booked into the Butte County Jail on charges of receiving stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Jose Gutierrez, 38, of Chico, was booked into the jail on charges of carrying a concealed dirk or dagger and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The charges are allegations. Both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Source: Butte County Sheriff’s Office social media post supplied to North State Now. Photo provided by the agency.