Car thief returns to scene, jail

Just days after a local homeless man charged with vehicle theft was released from jail, he was arrested again for allegedly stealing another car.

Around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday (Sept. 2), as Chico police were interviewing a woman whose vehicle had been stolen on North Cedar Street, they saw the stolen car drive past, according to a police press release. The driver sped off when police attempted a traffic stop, reaching speeds up to 50 mph through residential neighborhoods. The suspect abandoned the vehicle at One-Mile Recreation Area and ran into Big Chico Creek, where he was arrested.

Michael Murray, described by police as a “Chico transient,” was charged with vehicle theft, evading police, committing a felony while on his own recognizance release and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Murray had been released from Butte County Jail on Aug. 28 due to overcrowding.