Golden State Today

A man from Carpinteria has been arrested following a series of incidents involving elder abuse, threats, and obstruction. The Sheriff's Office Special Enforcement Team (SET) apprehended Phillip Cummings after he reportedly donned a ballistic vest and threatened deputies.

The situation began on January 6, 2025, when deputies were called to the Sandpiper Mobile Homes on Via Real due to a disturbance. According to reports, Cummings was involved in an altercation with a neighbor and construction worker that escalated into violence against his elderly neighbor.

Upon arrival, deputies found that Cummings had struck the elderly neighbor in the face and knocked her phone from her hand. Shortly thereafter, Krysta Thompson, identified as Cummings' girlfriend, arrived at the scene. She allegedly interfered with the investigation and intimidated the victim. Thompson was subsequently arrested for obstruction, dissuading a witness, and elder abuse.

Cummings refused to leave his residence when approached by deputies and communicated through a window while wearing a ballistic vest. He reportedly stated his intention to retrieve a handgun. Concerned for public safety, deputies sought a warrant to ensure his safe arrest.

On January 8, 2025, SET executed a search and arrest warrant at Sandpiper Mobile Homes. After evacuating nearby residents, they successfully detained Cummings without further incident. Inside his home were found firearms including a loaded handgun and shotgun along with the ballistic vest.

Cummings faces multiple charges including obstruction, threats, battery, elder abuse, and damaging a communication device. He is being held on an enhanced bail of $1 million. The victim declined medical treatment at the scene while Thompson has since been released from custody.