Chico man arrested on felony charge after stabbing in Magalia

BUTTE COUNTY, California. – A Chico man was arrested on attempted murder and assault with intent to rape charges following the stabbing in Magalia.

On Monday afternoon, a man called police and said he had been involved in a recent stabbing incident.

Butte County Sheriff's deputies, detectives and Chico Police officers responded and made contact with the caller. The caller was identified as 31-year-old Samuel Dickenson of Chico.

During the investigation, investigators found evidence that Dickenson was previously acquainted with people who lived at the victims' home in Magalia. Investigators also found that he knew a child lived at the home.

Investigators believe Dickenson came to the house with the intention of kidnapping and sexually abusing a child.

The sheriff's office said when Dickenson entered the home, he made contact with two adult victims and stabbed one of them.

After Dickenson stabbed the first victim, the second victim, identified as Joseph Strickland, attempted to defend himself. Dickenson then got into an altercation with Strickland. After the altercation, Dickenson left the area in his car.

Strickland told Action News Now that his wife, the first victim, suffered a puncture wound to the lung and is currently being treated for it.