Suspicious Vehicle Accident

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Around 11PM Sunday, a call went out about a possible vehicle accident on the NB 101 freeway near the Salinas Street off ramp in Santa Barbara.

Initially, SBPD cruised by Old Coast Highway and discovered that indeed a vehicle had crashed through the fence, and a truck was discovered down the ditch in thick brush next to the freeway.

No one was found with the vehicle. Police set up a perimeter to search for a possible body or at least someone hurt. A K9 unit was brought in and police used a loud horn to call out to the suspected driver of the truck. At one point, police called out to anyone that was in the brush, that they needed to come out with their hands up or the dog would be released.

Additionally, Santa Barbara City Fire was called out to assist SBPD with thermal technology to help locate anyone that may have been hurt in the thick brush. As of yet, no one has been found near the crash site.

Police are still investigating the mysterious crash.

Anyone with any information may contact the Santa Barbara Police Department.

 

 

 

**UPDATE**

Ronald Anthony Beltran, age 39, of Santa Barbara, was arrested for attempted murder, auto theft, hit & run, and resisting or delaying an officer following an altercation with a family member.  The suspect and victim reside together in the same household.

On January 5, 2014 at 11:30 p.m., officers from the Santa Barbara Police Department responded to a call of a vehicle stolen from a residence on the 1100 block of N. Milpas Street.  Upon arrival the victim, a 46-year old male relative of the suspect, reported that Beltran had stolen his truck.  The victim also informed the investigating officers that Beltran had stabbed him during an altercation that occurred earlier in the day.

Beltran was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on the aforementioned charges and is being held without bail.  Photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

Beltran would not reveal his motive for stabbing his relative; thus far the attack appears to have been unprovoked.  Investigation indicates that he took the victim’s truck in order to provoke another confrontation with the victim.  Relatives stated that Beltran had been drinking heavily prior to the incident.

Knife Wielding Man

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – It was quite the scare when Santa Barbara Police converged at the Faulding Hotel on Haley and State Streets just after 12 p.m. Monday on reports of a man wielding a knife threatening passerbys.

The strong police presence could be seen around the city block by many shocked residents and tourists. Multiple reporting parties called 911 and shortly thereafter, a middle aged looking man in a black t-shirt was taken into custody without incident.

It was later learned that the suspect had a history of mental illness.

Despite interviewing all of the witnesses, authorities were unable to locate any victims and it was determined that no physical assault had taken place.

One lane on Haley Street was blocked off by police units but was soon re-opened.

Stabbing Near Las Positas

SANTA BARBARA, Calif - A stabbing took place on the 1200 block of Crest Line Drive in Santa Barbara just after 7:30 Saturday night.

The victim was rushed to cottage hospital.

The condition of his/her injuries are unknown.

The suspect fled to an area near Elings Park. An initial report stated the suspect himself called law enforcement and told them if they had to shoot him to go right ahead.

Police were able to find and arrest the suspect without incident. No word yet on what prompted this act of violence.

**UPDATE**

Police say the victim is a 60 year old woman from unincorporated Santa Barbara, and was attending a dinner at the suspect's home when she was attacked from behind.

The victim suffered a twelve-centimeter long incision to her neck and was transported by paramedics to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for medical treatment. She is expected to recover from her injury.

The suspect has been identified as 20-year old Samuel Maphis of Santa Barbara. He has been booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail for attempted murder and terrorist threats.

Investigation reveals that mental illness may be a factor.

Bail is set at $2,500,000.00.

To Catch a Thief

Next time you are shopping in downtown Santa Barbara, pay close attention to your surroundings. Check out these photographs. Police are looking for this suspect that has committed thefts from the H&M clothing store on State Street last December, and from Nordstrom On Canon Perdido Street earlier this month. Santa Barbara Police is asking for your help so that this subject can be apprehended before he strikes again. His targets have been in the downtown area but he can be anywhere so play close attention when you’re out and about. If you have any information or recognize this person, police ask that you contact SBPD Detective Brian Larson at (805) 897-2345 (blarson@sbpd.com) or Detective John Ingram at (805) 897-2331 (jingram@sbpd.com). Additionally, if you wish to remain anonymous, call  (805) 897-2386.

Felony Hit and Run Suspect Sought

Santa Barbara Police are looking for a hit and run suspect tonight.

The incident happened at the intersection of State Street and Calle Palo Colorado at 9:53 this morning. A 41-year old female was walking across the intersection when she was struck by a vehicle travelling eastbound that failed to stop. The victim suffered “significant injuries,” according to police, and “was transported to Cottage Hospital by ambulance.”

The suspect is described as a dark-skinned male, possibly Hispanic or Middle Eastern, 50-60 years old, square face, unshaven, with black hair. He was driving a glossy black pick-up truck with a black camper (pictured above), and was seen driving through a nearby Shell gas station fleeing northbound on Calle Palo Colorado. The vehicle may have minor to moderate front end or hood damage due to the collision.

The suspect is wanted for felony hit-and-run. Police ask anyone with information on this incident to please contact Officer Mark Hunt of the Santa Barbara Police Department at 805-897-3719.

SB Man Causes Mayhem

A brief standoff ensued earlier today on the corner of Salinas and Pitos streets as Santa Barbara Police responded to reports of a shirtless man screaming and breaking things inside his apartment unit. A reporting party also said the man began to punch their vehicle and ran away thereafter. Police surrounded the man’s home with Tasers in hand waiting for him to come out as neighbors anxiously witnesses the scene unfold.

The suspect refused to cooperate with authorities, and soon after, a spokesperson for the property’s owner approached the officers. Police left without making an arrest because they explained the man was not breaking any laws by acting as he pleases inside his own residence. However, authorities did assure they would be checking the area throughout the day for any further strange activity by this individual.

Watch video of the scene below.

Copyright 2012 Red Pacific Media

Arrests Rock Quiet Residential Neighborhood

A quiet neighborhood is rocked Friday night as police show up in large numbers.

At approximately 11:20PM, the lights and sirens of at least 8 Santa Barbara Police vehicles and a CHP cruiser lined West Montecito Street in the arrest of two individuals. The names of the suspects have not been released, and very little information is known at this time. However, The Word was able to confirm that two Hispanic males in their late teens were questioned and taken to jail on suspicion of robbery.

Two CHP officers were the first on scene. After noticing two individuals matching the description of the suspects, one of the CHP officers proceeded to withdraw his gun and ordered the suspects to the ground. Moments later, SBPD arrived and handcuffed the suspects all while neighbors watched the drama unfold.

The suspects did not put up a struggle, and the arrests were made without major incident.

Watch this raw video of the bust.