Sheriff’s Blotter — 93108

Mail Theft / 1900 block East Valley Road — Monday, August 31, at 18:51 hours

The Reporting Party’s (RP) son was riding his bike around the above location when he noticed multiple mail items scattered on the side of the road. Officer responded to the RP’s residence and collected mail addressed to residents of Carpinteria and the Montecito area. Report taken, follow up to be handled by patrol. 

Loud Music / 500 block El Bosque Road — Monday, August 31, at 22:25 hours

The RP reported his peace was being disturbed by the resident of the address above who was playing amplified music. The resident was warned about the complaint and told to turn the music off. They turned the music back on and were ultimately issued a citation on behalf of the RP who signed a citizen’s arrest form for the above violation. 

Minors Alcohol/Vaping / 1200 block Channel Drive — Tuesday, September 01, at 0314 hours

Deputies spotted a vehicle parked in a no-parking zone from 02:00 hours to 05:00 hours. During investigation, deputies noticed an open container in the vehicle. Deputies contacted the owner of the vehicle, who was standing on the beach stairs. Vehicle owner spoke to the deputies and admitted to drinking with a female friend. Deputies verified age and found them both to be underage. A probable cause of vehicle search was conducted, and marijuana vape pens and more open containers were found. They were both cited and released. 

Investigation Property Management / 800 block Park Lane — Tuesday, September 01, at 13:19 hours

RP and employee of an LLC property management reported that a male subject had been contracted by the LLC owner to order and install two automatic transfer switches, and one 50kW Perkins diesel generator. The owner paid the amount of $27,014.30 but the subject did not deliver or install the equipment. Subject stopped communicating with the LLC and has not returned the money he was paid, in violation of 484(b) PC (Wrongful Diversion of Construction Funds). The LLC requested prosecution. The investigation is ongoing. 

Neighbor Dispute / 700 block El Rancho Road — Wednesday, September 02, at 14:44 hours

Deputies responded to the report of a trespasser. Deputies spoke to the RP who claimed his neighbor had trespassed on his property and damaged a fence on his side of the property line. RP’s neighbor was contacted, and while it was determined no trespassing had occurred, the neighbor did damage the RP’s fence, which was estimated to cost $2,000-3,000 to repair. When deputies spoke to the neighbor via telephone, he admitted to having his landscapers cut the RP’s fence. Deputies determined the neighbor was in violation of 594(b)(1) PC (Malicious Mischief). Case forwarded to District Attorney’s Office for review.

Assault and Battery / Ortega Hill — Thursday, September 03, at 20:17 hours

Deputies were dispatched to a report of a female who reported a person was being set on fire. As deputies arrived and spoke to the victim, it was determined the victim was at an encampment near Highway 101 SB/ and Sheffield onramp. While at the encampment, her boyfriend of 22 years swung a large wooden tree support stake at her head as he threatened her. The victim attempted to flee and called 911. Subject followed her and told her he would kill her prior to law enforcement arriving. Subject proceeded to throw Tiki torch lighter fluid on her, causing the victim to be in fear for her life. After the investigation, it was determined that subject was in violation of 244 PC (Assault with Caustic Chemicals), 245(a)(1) PC (Assault with Deadly Weapon, Non-firearm), 422(a) PC (Criminal Threats), and 136.1(a) PC (Threatening Witness). 

South county deputies, K9, CHP, and drone operators from SBSO and State Parks responded to assist. Despite an extended search with a K9 and UAV support along the steep and rugged terrain on the edge of Ortega Hill, subject was not located. 

At about 0305 hours, deputies, and K9 returned to the original camp and located the subject. Subject surrendered and was arrested without incident. Subject was booked into SBJ and served with an EPO (Emergency Protective Order).