Crime in the ‘Cito: Sheriff’s Blotter 93108

Nudity & Trespassing / Outlook Park: Monday, Oct 7, 2024, at 15:38 hrs

Subject was contacted after having been witnessed trespassing on the property –fully nude – and stealing a BBQ grill cover. Subject was contacted and the reporting party signed a citizen’s arrest form. Subject was arrested and booked for being in violation of PC 602(m) and PC 488.

High-Speed Chase / Lillie/Evans Ave, Summerland to Hwy 101N: Monday, Oct 7, 2024, at 03:29 hrs

Vehicle was observed driving erratically and running stop signs in Summerland. Sr. Deputy McKarrell attempted to stop the vehicle, and it fled at high a high rate of speed through the northbound 101 construction zone. A pursuit was initiated after the vehicle passed through the construction zone. Driver attempted to “break check” Sr. Deputy McKarrell in an effort to cause an intentional traffic collision. Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver – the forced 180° rotational stop of a non-compliant suspect’s vehicle – was authorized and executed as the driver exited the freeway and entered again southbound 101 at Patterson. Initial PIT was unsuccessful, and the suspect attempted to ram Sr. Deputy McKarrell as he continued southbound on the 101. A second PIT maneuver was executed and caused the vehicle to collide with the guardrail. Termination of the pursuit was at southbound 101 between Patterson and Turnpike. Suspect was transported to Cottage Hospital for complaint of head pain. During the PIT maneuver, the Sheriff’s vehicle sustained minor damage and was towed to the garage. 

Stolen Vehicle & Items / 3700 Santa Claus Lane: Tuesday, Oct 8, 2024, at 19:20 hrs

A vehicle stop was conducted for VC 22400 and VC 4000(a)(1). The driver was in violation of VC 14601.1. Subject was in possession of a reported stolen license plate, multiple cellphones, and a driver license not belonging to him. Subject was arrested and booked at SBJ. The vehicle’s passenger was identified and a record check revealed they were a person of interest in organized crime. Outside agency contacted and passenger was released. 

Missing SBFD [retired] / Miramar Beach: Wednesday, Oct 9, 2024, at 07:50 hrs

The search for a missing retired Santa Barbara City Fire Captain, Anthony “Tony” Pighetti, began during the evening on 10/8/24 and continued during the early morning hours of 10/9/25. Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue (SAR) searched the beaches while the United States Coast Guard checked the nearby waterways. At approximately 07:50 hours, deputies were requested to respond to the SAR and Fire staging area at Eucalyptus Ln. at Miramar Beach Rd. Once on scene, they were briefed that Coast Guard personnel had located an unresponsive subject, on or near his paddleboard approximately two miles out in the ocean from the location.

Amtrak Rail Death / Lookout Park: Thursday, Oct 10, 2024, at 10:01 hrs

The train engineer was driving the Amtrak train north to Santa Barbara. While going around a bend the engineer saw the decedent standing in the middle of the train tracks. The decedent was north of the road crossing leading into Lookout Park in Summerland. The engineer utilized his horn and applied the emergency brakes to avoid collision with the decedent. The decedent was looking directly at the train and put his hands in pockets as the train approached at speed. The train was not able to stop in time, colliding with the decedent. At approximately 10:01 hours, Medic Engine 62 pronounced time of death.

Minors Sex & Nudity / Lower Manning Park: Friday, Oct 11, 2024, at 01:06 hrs

A 16-year-old boy and 17-year- old girl were having relations in the girl’s car in the Manning parking lot. The girl, in a state of partial undress, tried to drive away as the deputy pulled in behind her car. She was cited for 12500(a)VC and being out past curfew and was released to her father. The boy was cited for curfew violation and released to his mother.