05/04/2026
The Oroville Police Department recently served multiple search warrants and made several arrests in connection with two separate criminal investigations, highlighting the growing effectiveness of the departmentโs Investigations Unit following recent staffing increases.
๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ฏ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, and Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Oroville Police detectives conducted enforcement activity related to a series of commercial burglaries reported on April 17, 2026. The incidents occurred within a short timeframe and prompted an immediate response from patrol officers, who initiated a preliminary investigation before transferring the case to the Investigations Unit.
With additional staffing resources now in place, detectives were able to promptly conduct a comprehensive follow-up investigation. Through coordinated efforts and multiple investigative techniques, detectives identified suspects believed to be responsible for the burglaries.
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, detectives executed search warrants at multiple locations associated with the suspects. During the search, officers recovered more than 40 items of stolen property connected to the burglaries, including tools, ignition switches, key programmers, and laptops. Officers also located drug paraphernalia at the scene.
As a result of the investigation, Andrew Arrieta, 36, of Oroville, and Justin Rifanburg, 37, of Oroville, were arrested. Charges stemming from this investigation include felony offenses related to burglary, breaking and entering, receiving stolen property, accessory after the fact, and possession of prohibited ammunition. Additional misdemeanor charges include possession of a controlled substance, possession of burglary tools, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Both suspects were transported and booked into the Butte County Jail.
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๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ง๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ฏ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
Following the successful ex*****on of search warrants related to the burglary investigation, Oroville Police detectives continued enforcement efforts by serving a separate search warrant as part of an ongoing felony investigation.
During the ex*****on of the search warrant, officers located and seized multiple fi****ms and ammunition. Based on the evidence recovered and the suspectโs status, Bruce Watson, 35, was taken into custody.
Watson was arrested on felony charges related to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, along with associated misdemeanor charges.
This arrest is part of an active and ongoing investigation. Additional details related to the origin and scope of the case are not being released at this time to preserve the integrity of the investigation and any potential future enforcement actions.
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These coordinated enforcement actions reflect a renewed operational capacity within the Oroville Police Departmentโs Investigations Unit. Recent staffing increases have allowed for expanded investigative follow-up, improved case development, and more proactive enforcement efforts.
โThese cases are a direct result of our ability to dedicate more resources to investigations,โ said Chief Jason Wines. โAs we continue to rebuild and strengthen our department, the community can expect to see more consistent and effective outcomes like these.โ
The Oroville Police Department thanks the community for its continued patience and support during this period of rebuilding. The Department also recognizes Mayor Pittman and City Administrator Brian Ring for their commitment to prioritizing public safety through strategic staffing investments.
