Standoff With Individual Armed with Razor Blades Ends Peacefully

On Friday, September 29, 2023, the Combined Communications Center received a 911 call around 10:06 a.m. reporting an adult man near the intersection of Calle Cesar Chavez St. and Cabrillo Blvd. bleeding from a neck laceration.

Santa Barbara Police Officers responded and located the individual, armed with several razor blades and behaving in a confrontational way with SBPD Officers. The individual appeared in crisis and made statements indicating he had cut himself. The shirtless male was covered in blood and refused to drop his weapons. Officers requested that medics stage nearby and began to engage him in dialogue to de-escalate this highly volatile scenario.

During the encounter, officers learned the male had a parole warrant for his arrest. Through patient and empathetic communication, officers were able to successfully negotiate a peaceful resolution where the male discarded the razor blades and complied with officers. The man was taken into custody around 11:08 a.m.

The individual is currently receiving medical treatment for his self-inflicted injuries.

Harbor Patrol Officers also responded due to the proximity to the ocean.