Carpinteria, Calif. – A juvenile has been arrested for possession of a firearm in a school zone as a result proactive safety partnership between school administrators and the Community Resource Deputy. On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Community Resource Deputy (CRD) Dickey was visiting the Carpinteria High School campus when administrators reported a vehicle near campus that was occupied by two people that seemed suspicious.

CRD Dickey located the vehicle alongside the roadway in the 4800-block of Foothill Road and contacted two juvenile occupants. The 15-year-old male juvenile in the driver’s seat threw a backpack from the vehicle during the initial contact and was detained while deputies investigated. Inside the backpack, deputies found an unloaded .44 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver. The juvenile was arrested for possession of a gun in a school zone (felony), minor in possession of a firearm (felony), carrying a concealed firearm (felony), and possession unregistered firearm (misdemeanor). He was booked at the Santa Maria Juvenile Hall. The female passenger was released to a guardian.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to commend the school administrators for their observation and for quickly sharing their concerns with CRD Dickey. This partnership resulted in securing an illegally possessed weapon and ensuring the safety of the Carpinteria community.