Authorities in Butte County have arrested a juvenile after a tragic incident in Magalia, California, that left one man dead. The situation began early Monday morning, December 9, when a local resident reported that his truck had been stolen. What followed was a shocking chain of events that ended in heartbreak.
According to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the call came in around 2 a.m. from 50-year-old Robert Etta, a resident of Magalia. Etta told dispatchers that someone had stolen his truck from Crescent Drive—and he was in the back of it, trying to stop the thief.
The dispatcher stayed on the line with Etta as deputies and officers from the California Highway Patrol rushed to help. But before they could arrive, the dispatcher suddenly heard the terrifying sound of a crash. Responders later found the stolen truck wrecked on Carnegie Road, its frame engulfed in flames.
Emergency crews, including firefighters from CAL FIRE, worked to extinguish the fire, but the situation turned grim. Despite their best efforts, Etta died at the scene.
Investigators believe Etta spotted the juvenile suspect attempting to steal his truck and jumped into the back to try and stop the theft. Tragically, this courageous move ended in tragedy when the truck crashed.
The juvenile suspect, who was also injured in the crash, was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Once released, the suspect was booked into the Butte County Juvenile Hall on charges of manslaughter.
This devastating incident has left the community of Magalia reeling. It’s a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly things can turn dangerous in unexpected situations. Authorities continue to investigate the details surrounding this case.
