Santa Barbara County
Recent News About Santa Barbara County
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Goleta Police Department partners with McDonald's for "Coffee with a Cop" event
The Goleta Police Department has partnered with the Camino Real Marketplace McDonald's for a "Coffee with a Cop" event on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The public is invited to join for coffee and dialogue without any agenda or speeches. This event offers an opportunity to voice concerns and get to know local deputies. McDonald's will provide attendees with a free small cup of McCafe coffee.
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Santa Maria man arrested after courthouse bombing
Santa Maria, Calif. – Sheriff’s detectives have arrested 20-year-old Nathaniel McGuire from Santa Maria for exploding an improvised explosive device at the Santa Maria Courthouse today. At approximately 8:48 am this morning, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of an explosion at the Santa Maria Courthouse near Department 9.
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Two suspects arrested following shooting incident near Buellton
Two suspects have been arrested on felony charges related to a shooting outside Buellton last week. On Friday, September 20, 2024, at approximately 8:56 a.m., deputies responded to a shooting that occurred at an agricultural field in the 1000-block of Highway 246. When deputies arrived, they learned that a male and female suspect demanded money from several agriculture workers. When they were denied, they returned to their white BMW sedan and fired several gunshots from their vehicle into an unoccupied parked van. No victims were physically injured during this exchange.
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Juvenile arrested for attempted murder at Haskell’s Beach
A 15-year-old male has been arrested for the attempted murder of two individuals at Haskell’s Beach in Goleta, California. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at approximately 12:51 a.m. Deputies responded to a report of a shooting and found two adult male victims, both in their early twenties, with gunshot wounds. The suspect had fled the scene before deputies arrived.
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Santa Maria man arrested for lewd acts involving minors
Santa Maria, Calif. – Sheriff's detectives have arrested a 20-year-old Santa Maria man for lewd acts that occurred at the Orcutt Dollar Tree. This investigation began on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, when deputies responded to the Dollar Tree store located at 4869 S. Bradley Road in Orcutt for a report of a suspect who grabbed the buttocks of a 6-year-old girl. When deputies arrived, the suspect had already left the area.
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Goleta Police stress proper use of child car seats during safety week
During Child Passenger Safety Week, the Goleta Police Department encourages all parents and caregivers to ensure their children are riding safely by using the correct car seats, booster seats, and properly fitted seat belts. This annual campaign takes place from September 15-21 and aims to raise awareness about the importance of car seat safety and proper installation.
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Goleta Police stress vigilance during Pedestrian Safety Month
September is Pedestrian Safety Month in California. The Goleta Police Department urges drivers to slow down and remain vigilant for pedestrians on the roads. By taking extra precautions, drivers can help protect pedestrians and reduce the risk of crashes and injuries. Walking should always be a safe option for getting around any community.
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Santa Maria man dies after hospitalization following arrest
A Santa Maria man, who was in custody prior to his release, passed away on September 17, 2024, while hospitalized. On Thursday, August 29, 2024, at approximately 12:52 p.m., a 40-year-old male was booked by Santa Maria Police at the Northern Branch Jail on a felony warrant for violation of probation and assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury. The subject was medically screened by Wellpath staff with no identified emergency medical conditions before being processed for intake and subsequently housed in the B Unit of the NBJ facility.
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Suspect surrenders after standoff with authorities in Solvang
A suspect has been taken safely into custody following a 24-hour standoff. The call began on Friday, September 13, 2024, at approximately 6:15 pm when deputies responded to a winery event venue in the 100-block of N. Refugio Road for a report of trespassing. When deputies arrived, they learned that 21-year-old Frederick Miles Rice was barricading himself inside a room, armed with a sword, and vandalizing property.
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Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office hosts Coffee with a Cop in Goleta
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has announced a special edition of its community outreach program, Coffee with a Cop. The event will take place at the Goleta Target store on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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Goleta man re-arrested for additional charges stemming from hidden camera case
Goleta, Calif. – Sheriff's detectives have re-arrested 54-year-old Steven Schapansky from Goleta on a new charge of child molestation. Deputies began their investigation on Friday, July 12, 2024, when they received a report of secret recording devices found in the suspect’s possessions. As a result of the initial investigation, detectives arrested Schapansky on Saturday, July 13, 2024, for invasion of privacy with a recording device (misdemeanor), and he was subsequently released.
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Suspect taken into custody after standoff in Goleta
A Goleta man has been taken into custody following a lengthy standoff. On Saturday, August 31, 2024, at approximately 8:33 am, deputies responded to Buena Tierra housing in the 6000-block of Hollister Avenue for a report of an assault that had just occurred. When deputies arrived, they contacted an adult male victim with serious injuries. The victim was transported to an area hospital but is expected to survive.
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Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office welcomes six new custody deputies
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has welcomed six new Custody Deputies following their graduation from the Allan Hancock CORE Custody Deputy Academy. The deputies were sworn in by Sheriff Brown on Friday, August 23, 2024, just before the graduation ceremony. Sheriff Brown also delivered the keynote speech for the CORE Custody Academy Class #17, which included Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Custody Deputies Justin Albicker-Davies, Raymond “Lamar” Dawson, Cedric Garrett, Andrew Reyes, Sara Rodriguez, and Emily Vasquez.
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Suspects arrested in Los Alamos mail theft tracked using AirTag
Two suspects involved in mail theft have been apprehended with the assistance of an AirTag locator device. On Monday, August 19, 2024, at approximately 7:17 a.m., deputies responded to a report of mail theft at the Los Alamos Post Office. Upon arrival, deputies learned that the victim had recently experienced theft from her post office box and had mailed herself a package containing an AirTag locator device as a precaution. The package was stolen again on Monday morning, allowing the victim to track it.
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Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office announces National Night Out event in Carpinteria
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office will host a National Night Out event in Carpinteria on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. National Night Out is a nationwide, annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live and work.
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Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office invites applications for Citizen's Academy
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for the upcoming Citizen’s Academy. This program offers an in-depth and informational look at law enforcement in Santa Barbara, facilitated by the Sheriff’s Office. Participants will explore various topics including the history of law enforcement, criminal law, patrol tactics, and de-escalation communication. Additionally, hands-on learning experiences such as firearms instruction and active shooter scenarios will be provided.
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Santa Ynez Valley sees string of restaurant burglaries
Deputies in the Santa Ynez Valley are investigating a series of restaurant burglaries that have occurred in recent weeks. On Saturday, July 6, 2024, deputies took a report of a burglary at California Tacos in Buellton. On Saturday, July 13, 2024, deputies took a second report for a burglary at Taco Roco in Buellton. On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, deputies took two additional reports of restaurant burglaries at the Red Barn and SY Kitchen. The fifth burglary was reported today, July 18, 2024, at AJ Spurs in Buellton.
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Goleta teacher arrested for hidden recording devices involving juveniles
Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a Goleta man for recording juveniles using hidden recording devices in several locations, including the school where he was employed. On Friday, July 12, 2024, deputies received a report of secret recording devices found in the suspect’s possessions.
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Suspect arrested in Vandenberg Village homicide case
Lompoc, Calif. – Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide that occurred in the Vandenberg Village area of Lompoc. On Saturday, July 13, 2024, at approximately 6:42 a.m., deputies responded to the area of Sami Lane and Khouri Circle following a report of suspicious circumstances. Through their investigation, deputies discovered an adult female homicide victim inside a residence on Khouri Circle.
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Sheriff’s Office Alternative Sentencing Bureau relocates in Santa Maria
Santa Maria, Calif. – The Sheriff’s Office Alternative Sentencing Bureau has relocated to a new facility in Santa Maria. The new location is operational at the Northern Branch Jail, situated at 2301 Black Road, Santa Maria. The previous site on Foster Road has been entirely moved to this new address on Black Road.