Crime in the Cito: Sheriff’s Blotter 93108

Possession of Methamphetamine / Padaro Lane Sunday, March 2, at 20:55 hours

Subject was sleeping in the driver’s seat of his vehicle which was blocking traffic. When contacted, subject provided consent to search both their person and their vehicle. Inside vehicle, there were two small baggies of suspected methamphetamine inside the small pocket of the jeans located on the driver side floorboard, a violation of 11377(a) Possession of Methamphetamine. Two methamphetamine pipes were found between the driver side seat and the gearshift, a violation of 11364(a) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In addition, officer located a methamphetamine bong in the rear driver side seat. Officer transported subject to the Santa Barbara County Main Jail. Once there, a Custody Deputy searched subject and located a small bindle of suspected methamphetamine on the left inner pocket of subject’s jacket, a violation of 4573.5PC –Bringing Contraband into the Jail. When asked about it, subject denied knowing it was there and said they had just picked up the jacket from a trashcan. Subject was booked into the Santa Barbara County Main Jail for violation of the above-mentioned charges. 

Altered Check in Mail / Santa Rosa Lane — Wednesday, March 5, at 10:16 hours

On January 28, victim placed a check for $1,535.75 in a mailbox in the area of Montecito Village. On March 01, the victim discovered the check had been altered and the money withdrawn by an unknown suspect. Case suspended pending further leads. 

Burglary / 1500 block San Leandro Lane — Wednesday, March 5, at 22:54 hours

The victim reported that someone had broken the glass door to the residence. Upon deputy arrival it was determined that the unknown suspects broke through the laundry room glass door to gain entry and stole two pairs of Gucci Shoes in their boxes, valued at approximately $1,000 per pair. 

Restraining Order Violation / El Bosque Road — Thursday, March 6, at 17:12 hours

Deputies responded to a potential restraining order violation. The Reporting Party informed deputies that they had an active civil protection order against their neighbor. RP stated the restrained party violated the restraining order by throwing a package at them in a “threatening manner.” The package belonged to the RP, and they said the contents within were damaged when it was tossed. RP said that when the package was thrown, they were tending to plants in their front yard, and they feared for their life. In addition, RP stated they feared the neighbor had a gun and intended to use it on them. Upon speaking with the neighbor, the neighbor informed deputies that the package had mistakenly been delivered to their address. Subject picked up the package and when they left their residence in their vehicle, they tossed it onto the curb in front of the RP’s residence. Subject also stated the RP was not present when they tossed the package. Deputies asked them if they were in possession of a firearm, and they were not. Neighbor provided security camera footage of them tossing the package and there did not appear to be any malicious intent or restraining order violation. 

Death / Birnam Wood Drive — Friday, March 7, at 10:27 hours

Deputies responded to a code blue. While they were en route, on-scene medical personnel declared the subject deceased. Upon arrival deputies observed a 47-year-old decedent lying on the floor. The decedent was a live-in care provider, and had been discovered by Birnam Wood security. The security personnel attempted lifesaving measures until emergency personnel arrived on scene. The decedent’s spouse arrived on scene and was notified in person. The decedent was transported by the on-call mortuary to the Coroners Bureau.

Paraglider Rescue / Toro Canyon — Friday, March 7, at 12:10 hours

Deputies responded to report of a paraglider down a mile up the mountain from the Reporting Party’s address on Toro Canyon. The downed paraglider was located, its passenger stating they were uninjured. They nevertheless accepted the airlift off the mountain due to uncertainty about their ability to hike out.