Santa Barbara, Calif. – Sheriff’s deputies have arrested 33-year-old Jeremiah Scofield of Santa Barbara after a search that lasted over two hours and spanned several neighborhoods in the More Mesa area. At 7:06 a.m. this morning, deputies were dispatched to a report of a subject causing a disturbance at the gas station on Hollister at Walnut. While deputies were on their way, the suspect reportedly stole a white flatbed Ford truck and drove towards Turnpike along Hollister. Approximately nine minutes later, the vehicle was located in the 4700-block of Ashdale and the suspect had reportedly fled from the vehicle on foot.

Deputies surrounded the area and began searching for the suspect who was shedding clothing as he ran through neighborhoods. K9 units and County Air Support responded to assist with the search. The suspect’s information was shared with the public via Twitter and area residents were asked to call 911 if they spotted the suspect. Sheriff’s dispatch received several calls throughout the area of possible sightings of the suspect including a call at 9:26 a.m. from the area of Camino Floral and Orchid Drive reporting a subject who was wrapped in a sheet, matching the description of the suspect. Deputies responded to the area and contacted the suspect in the area of S. Patterson Avenue and More Ranch Road where he was taken into custody.

Scofield was booked at the Southern Branch Jail for vehicle theft (misdemeanor), loitering on private property (misdemeanor), and a violation of probation. He is being held without bail. The California Highway Patrol handled the stolen vehicle report, and the Sheriff’s Office handled the arrest report. Deputies received reports that the suspect may have cut through various properties and would like to encourage any additional victims to contact Sheriff’s Headquarters at (805)681-4100.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the observant members of the public who assisted in the safe apprehension of this suspect. The successful conclusion of this incident is thanks to the coordinated efforts of Sheriff’s patrol deputies, Sheriff’s auxiliary resources including K9 and Air Support, the California Highway Patrol, and diligent members of the community who shared timely information with deputies by calling our dispatch center.