Detectives Investigating Fatal Officer Involved Shooting 

January 14, 2024 - Santa Maria, CA – Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office officials report that detectives are investigating a fatal officer involved shooting. On Saturday, January 13, 2024, at approximately 5:28 p.m., deputies responded to the 800-block of Blake Street in Santa Maria for a report of a family dispute. Deputies learned that the male suspect brandished a firearm during an argument.  Family members were able to flee from the residence and call for help.

Deputies surrounded the home and evacuated neighboring residents for their safety.  Additional units from the Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Team, County Air Support, K9s as well as CHP and Santa Maria Police responded to assist. Over the next several hours, negotiators attempted to deescalate and stabilize the situation.

At approximately 9:35 p.m., deputies encountered the suspect in the back yard of the residence where an officer involved shooting occurred. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. The involved deputies did not require medical attention.

This investigation is ongoing, and the names of the involved parties are not yet available for release. Sheriff’s detectives will investigate the circumstances of the shooting, as well as conduct an administrative review of the incident in accordance with policy.

Source: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office