UPDATE (3:10 p.m.)- We’re learning more information about the standoff situation that started around 6:15 in Buellton Saturday night.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Kelly Hoover says a 44-year-old suicidal man barricaded himself inside an apartment complex on the 500 block of Avenue of the Flags and refused to come out.
The man, whose name is being withheld due to his mental health issues, allegedly threatened to fill up his apartment will gas and blow up the building.
Deputies then evacuated the apartment building and told other nearby residents to shelter in place. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded and turned off the gas to the building.
The Special Enforcement Team and Hostage Negotiation Team were called to assist as sheriff’s deputies secured a perimeter around the area. Deputies obtained a search warrant around 11:30 p.m. and found the man had attempted suicide inside the apartment.
Officials say the man was combative with deputies but was detained and transported to the hospital for medical treatment. A box cutter was found inside the apartment.
The Buellton man faces charges of making criminal threats.
(10:30 p.m.) Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office deputies were attempting to make contact with a suicidal subject near the 500 block of Avenue of the Flags in Buellton on Saturday.
The call came in around 6:15 p.m. Officials say the man threatened to turn on his gas and blow himself up. Gas was turned off and Santa Barbara County Fire Department crews are on standby.
SBCSO officials say evacuations and a shelter in place orders have been lifted for those living in or near the apartment complex.
As of 10:30 p.m., no arrests have been made.
