Man accused of shooting woman at Safeway charged; Park Fire reaches 61% containment | Midday Report

The man accused of shooting a woman in the eye at a Safeway in Chico has been formally charged with attempted murder, mayhem and assault with a semi-automatic firearm.

Luke Baker, 22, could be facing up to 34 years to life in a state prison if convicted.

Baker

A press release issued Wednesday by Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said the incident occurred on Aug. 18 at the Safeway on West Sacramento Avenue when Melissa Ebright, 42, was shot.

“… Baker and his girlfriend approached Ebright outside the Safeway shortly after midnight,” Ramsey said in his release. “Reports indicate Baker and Ebright had been having ongoing issues over drug sales and Ebright threw her bike at Baker’s feet near the Safeway entrance. Baker then stepped forward, pulled out a semi-automatic handgun and shot Ebright in the left eye from less than five feet away before getting into his girlfriend’s car and fleeing the scene.”

After the shooting, Baker allegedly left his girlfriend at the scene, Ramsey said.

Ebright was initially taken to Enloe Health before being flown to a hospital outside of the county.

“Ebright suffered a traumatic brain injury,” Ramsey’s release said. “Additionally, she lost her entire left eye, and the bones around her left eye were broken. She has fragmented pieces of the bullet lodged in her brain and numerous skull fractures. She is currently in critical condition.”

Those with additional information regarding this case are being asked by the Chico Police Department to call 897-5820.

Park Fire

According to updates through the Watch Duty app, the Park Fire has reached 61% containment.

The fire began in July in Bidwell Park after an alleged arson incident. Ronnie Stout was accused of starting the fire after pushing a flaming vehicle into a ravine.

A Cal Fire-Butte County update said damage assessments have been completed within the county.

Arrest

A press release issued Wednesday by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office said an arrest was made regarding an alleged child pornography incident.

The release said the Sacramento Police Department reached out to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office with information regarding Christopher Mack, 35, of Oroville claiming that he was downloading the materials.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office did their own investigation and arrested Mack at the 1400 block of O’Neal Road in Oroville on suspicion of possession of child pornography and possession of child pornography by an individual with a previous conviction for possessing child pornography.