Shooter & Driver in 2021 Attempt Murder Investigation Arrested by SBPD Detectives
On September 22, 2021, a drive-by shooting occurred in the area of 1200 San Andres Street. During the investigation officers and detectives learned a 16-year-old juvenile had been struck with a small caliber rifle round in the abdomen and was transported to Cottage Hospital for emergency medical treatment. The juvenile who was stuck by the bullet was not affiliated with any gangs and this shooting appears to be a random act of violence.
Detectives continued to investigate leads into this attempted murder and learned the identities of the shooter and driver of the “get-away” vehicle. Detectives authored several search and arrest warrants that were authorized by a judge for the suspected driver, Nicolas Fairbanks, a 22-year-old Santa Barbara resident, and the believed shooter, Antonio Aguayo, a 26-year-old Santa Barbara resident.
Fairbanks was located and arrested in the 200 block of Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, on January 11, 2022, for Attempt Murder (felony), Gang Enhancement (felony), Firearm Enhancement (felony), and Using a Firearm Causing Great Bodily Injury (felony). Fairbanks was booked in the Santa Barbara County Jail on $1,100,000 bail.
While serving the search warrant, a rifle was located and seized as evidence, which appears to be the same rifle used during this crime.
Aguayo was contacted by Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office for an unrelated matter when deputies discovered the outstanding warrant for his arrest. SBSO took Aguayo into custody on January 17, 2022, in 400 block of Glen Annie, Goleta. SBSO transferred Aguayo to SBPD Detectives, and he was booked for Attempt Murder (felony), Gang Enhancement (felony), Firearm Enhancement (felony), and Using a Firearm Causing Great Bodily Injury (felony). His bail was also set at $1,100,000. Aguayo had recently been discharged from California State Parole.
Due to the age of the victim, their name will not be released. Both Fairbanks and Aguayo are known members of a local criminal street gang.
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SANTA BARBARA, CA – September 27, 2021
On September 22, 2021, around 8pm, Santa Barbara Police Officers responded to Cottage Hospital Emergency Room for a report of a 16-year-old male victim who was brought to the hospital with a potential gunshot wound. During the initial investigation, Officers learned the incident occurred in the 1200 block of San Andres Street.
It was reported the victim and another juvenile were walking on the sidewalk when a vehicle stopped, and the occupants contacted the two juveniles. A verbal altercation occurred and one of the vehicle’s occupants fired a small caliber firearm, striking the victim in the abdomen.
Detectives have been actively investigating this case. The suspect is currently outstanding. This incident is believed to be an isolated incident.