Fight Breaks Out After Section of Jail Taken Off Lockdown

Santa Barbara County Jail remains in lockdown after a fight broke out between inmates — the sixth brawl in 10 days — when officers tried to lift the restrictions they imposed on Monday, July 11.

The lockdown — meaning inmates are confined to their cells and lose privileges including visitations — was put into effect earlier this week when a fight in the jail’s exercise yard left three inmates with moderate to serious injuries. Two were transported to the hospital.

The Sheriff’s office on Wednesday began to loosen the restrictions, one area at a time, but a fight occurred the same evening between six inmates in one of the areas. It was put back on lockdown, and officers continue to monitor the situation at the jail.