Confrontation Results in Shooting & Stabbing on the Eastside

On October 30, 2021, around 10:20pm, the Santa Barbara Police Combined Communications Center received a report from Cottage Hospital staff regarding two injured subjects that were brought into the emergency room within minutes of each other. One man sustained a stab wound and another man sustained a gunshot wound. Officers immediately responded to the hospital to begin an investigation.

While officers were at the hospital, dispatchers received a report from a resident in the 500 block of North Nopal Street regarding an altercation and possible shooting in the area. Additional officers responded to the area and located blood evidence, evidence related to a shooting, and a knife in the street.

Based on witness statements it appeared a verbal altercation occurred in the street between a group of people. The altercation escalated when one person produced a handgun and started pointing it at close range towards several individuals in the group. In response, one subject produced a knife, and reportedly stabbed the gun wielding suspect. Simultaneously the suspect with the gun allegedly fired at the subject that had just stabbed him, striking a lower extremity. All involved fled the area after the shooting occurred.

The alleged shooter, Felipe Mercado, a 34-year-old Goleta resident was arrested after receiving medical care at the hospital. He is being charged with Attempted Homicide (felony), Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (felony), and Use of a Firearm while Committing a Felony (felony). His bail is currently set at $1,000,000.

This case is currently under investigation by Santa Barbara Police Detectives. No other information is available currently. The motivation for this crime is still being investigated.