Officers Respond to Subject Reportedly Brandishing Firearm

On July 20, 2021, at 7:20am, multiple Santa Barbara Police Officers responded to the 200 block of South Voluntario Street for a report of a subject brandishing a firearm at family members. 

The family called 9-1-1 to report another family member was holding a gun to his head and brandished the firearm at others. Officers arrived on scene and established a perimeter. An Officer assigned to the Crisis Negotiations Response Team (CNRT) arrived and started a dialogue with the subject who appeared distraught and was initially uncooperative with Officers. The CNRT Officer was able to quickly build rapport with the subject and convinced them to surrender without incident.

After the situation was deemed safe, Officers located a firearm hidden the tank portion of a toilet. After close inspection by Officers, it was determined to be a replica firearm. Concerned for the subject’s welfare, Officers contacted Santa Barbara County Crisis and Recovery Emergency Services (CARES). CARES responded to the scene to assist Officers and conducted a welfare assessment of the distraught subject.

A firearm restraining order was authorized by a Judge preventing the subject from purchasing firearms in the near future. The name of the individual involved is being withheld for confidentiality.

The Santa Barbara Police Department works with CARES to resolve situations where people are in need of crisis intervention.  In addition, Officers receive specialized training to recognize and respond to people in mental health crisis. The Santa Barbara Police Department also participates in the County Co-Response program with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office and Behavioral Wellness. Our department’s policy is to collaborate with mental health service professionals who can provide assistance to those in crisis without law enforcement intervention, when possible.

Media Attached

Photo 1 – Replica Firearm