Police Seek Suspect in Stabbing on Boat

Santa Barbara police are searching for a man they claim is responsible for an attack at sea that resulted in a 23-year-old victim suffering multiple stab wounds.

According to a report of the events by Sgt. Lorenzo Duarte, 27-year-old Alan Joseph Farren rowed to a boat anchored off East Beach in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 17. The boat was inhabited by a woman with whom Farren had recently broken up as well as her new boyfriend, the unnamed 23-year-old man. Once aboard, Farren allegedly stabbed the man several times. The victim then jumped overboard and swam to a nearby smaller boat to escape, but Farren allegedly followed the victim and threatened further harm if he didn’t transport them both to shore. The report then stated that, once at shore, Farren fled the scene. The victim proceeded to Stearns Wharf, whereupon he was attended to by officers and transported to Cottage Hospital for injuries.

Duarte noted that Farren has yet to be located. Police are seeking him. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is encouraged to call (805) 897-2335.

Farren is described as being a six feet tall, weighing 240 pounds, and having short brown hair, blue eyes and a full beard. He has apparently been sited near the large fig tree near the train depot, camping on the beach near the skate park, and in boats moored in the harbor. He also has a tattoo of a sword on his left forearm, the word “Robin” on his right shoulder, and more tattoos on his neck. He may have a pit bull puppy with him.