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.

This Week's Podcast

A wanted felon is behind bars after a short pursuit; A youth pastor charged with child molestation and rape gets his bail reduced; The SWAT team shuts down a Downtown Santa Barbara street; and officers force a driver and two passengers out of their car at gun point. This and more stories on this week's episode of The Urban Review.


 

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

Santa Barbara Police are looking for a man in connection with an auto burglary that occurred at a local athletic club.

Police say the thief used the victim’s credit cards to purchase several gift cards immediately following the burglary. He was seen driving a gray 2-door BMW convertible. Authorities do no provide any further details but are seeking the public’s help tonight. If you have any information about the crime or recognize the suspect in the photos, you are asked to contact SBPD Detective John Ingram at 805-897-2331 or call anonymously to 805-897-2386. Additionally, you may e-mail any information to jingram@sbpd.com.

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.