Vandal(s) Target Sheriff's Vehicles

Santa Maria - November 22nd, 2011

The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office is reviewing surveillance images to determine who is responsible for vandalizing two patrol cars and a third SBSO vehicle over the weekend.

The three vehicles were parked for the weekend at the Santa Maria Superior Court complex parking lot near the intersection of Miller and Cook Streets.

Shortly after noon on Saturday, November 19, 2011, an off-duty Sheriff’s deputy noticed the back window of the Sheriff’s Civil Bureau vehicle was shattered. Upon closer inspection, he discovered that two Sheriff’s Patrol cars parked nearby had their tires slashed.

During the ensuing investigation, Sheriff’s deputies identified several deep scratches on the vehicles. In one case, the vandal(s) scratched into the paint, a reference to a local criminal street gang.

The SBSO is investigating the incident as vandalism to a vehicle(s) in excess of $400 (594(b)(1) PC). Damage is estimated to cost at least $2,300 to repair.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office at (805) 681-4100 or the Sheriff’s Anonymous Tip Line at (805) 681-4171.

For more information regarding news related issues
please contact Drew Sugars, Public Information Officer.

Business Hours: (805) 681-4100
EMAIL:pio@sbsheriff.org