Sutter County Sheriff’s Office Responds to Armed Landlord-Tenant Dispute 

July 8, 2026 – Sutter County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on July 6, 2026, the Sutter County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported landlord-tenant dispute involving an alleged firearm.

Deputies learned that the landlord, 62-year-old George (Randy) Purbaugh of Rio Oso, allegedly pointed a firearm at his tenants during the dispute. Upon arrival, deputies attempted to make contact with Purbaugh and issued repeated announcements directing him to exit the property. Purbaugh refused to comply with deputies' lawful commands.

Due to the nature of the incident and the reported presence of a firearm, the Sutter County Sheriff's Office Special Enforcement Detail (SED) was activated and responded to the scene. Once SED arrived, deputies continued communicating with Purbaugh, who ultimately complied with commands and surrendered without further incident. He was taken into custody without incident.

Following Purbaugh's arrest, detectives authored and served a search warrant at the property. During the search, investigators located a 12-gauge shotgun and a .22-caliber rifle, along with ammunition for both.

Purbaugh was booked into the Sutter County Jail for Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing a Peace Officer, Brandishing a Firearm in a Threatening Manner, Battery, Assault with a Firearm and Criminal Threats.

This investigation remains ongoing.

Source: Sutter County Sheriff’s Office