Two arrested in connection to Oroville drive-by shooting thanks to license plate readers

OROVILLE, Calif. — Two people were arrested by the Oroville Police Department (OPD) in connection to a drive-by shooting with help from recently installed license plate reader cameras.

The shooting happened on Friday night, just before midnight, in the 2500 block of Yard Street in Oroville.

Police that arrived on scene say a 21-year-old had been shot in the upper body while walking in the area. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment.

During the investigation, the OPD learned the suspects were in a tan-colored Toyota sedan and drove off after firing the single shot. Detectives searched the area but couldn't initially find the car or the people responsible.

RELATED CONTENT |Oroville City Council to discuss license plate readers and housing at Tuesday's meeting

Witnesses helped identify one of the suspects as 19-year-old Cosmo Varlomoff, an Oroville resident. Police then entered the witness' description of the color, make, and model of the Toyota into the recently-installedFlock Safety Automated License Plate Reader Cameras (ALPRs).

The car came back as being registered to Varlomoff. Police found it in the area shortly after the shooting.

The day after the shooting, the OPD authored and served a search warrant for Varlomoff for assault with a deadly weapon and accessory after the fact. It was served just after 7:30 p.m. in the 1600 block of Oro Dam Blvd. West.

RELATED CONTENT |License plate readers soon to come to Rancho Tehama

Varlomoff was arrested and booked into the Butte County Jail. After his arrest, officers found out the second person involved was a 17-year-old Oroville resident.

The teen turned himself into police on Monday, and he was booked into the Butte County Juvenile Hall.

Anyone with additional information should call the OPD at(530) 538-2444.

--

To report errors or issues with this article please email the editorial team.