Santa Barbara, Calif. – Sheriff’s detectives are conducting an investigation into an incident that began as an assault with a deadly weapon resulting in an officer involved shooting. The call began at 2:39 pm at Ralph’s grocery store in the 5100-block of Hollister Avenue as a report of a suspect actively assaulting a victim with a weapon.

The sequence of events that transpired after the deputies’ arrival and up to the officer involved shooting are part of the ongoing investigation. What is immediately clear is that deputies contacted the adult male suspect inside the store and attempted to apprehend him; however, there was an altercation, and the suspect was shot. Deputies were not physically harmed, and the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The identity of the suspect is pending. The Sheriff’s Office will provide further updates as they become available.