Report of Men with Guns in Isla Vista
Sheriff's Deputies, CHP, UCSB Police Respond to Del Playa Drive
An emergency email alert sent by UC Santa Barbara at 12:50 a.m. reads that shortly after midnight, Sheriff’s deputies, CHP officers, and UCSB police officers responded to the middle of the 6600 block of Del Playa Drive on a report of “multiple subjects with firearms and other weapons.”
The group, the message states, consisted of numerous adult Hispanic males. Officers are on the scene searching for potential suspects, and residents in the area are advised to stay indoors. Law enforcement officials weren’t immediately available for comment on the unfolding situation.
Authorities urge anyone with information on the incident to call Crime Stoppers at (877) 800-9100 or visit this website.
[UPDATE, 1:43 a.m.]: Independent contributor Matthew Renner reports there is no visible police activity along Del Playa Drive. Nearby residents on their balconies said they hadn’t seen or heard of any major trouble in the last hour, and radio communication between dispatchers and Sheriff’s deputies is currently concentrating on unrelated incidents.
[UPDATE, 10 a.m.]: UCSB has issued a follow-up email alert, explaining the call of multiple Hispanic men with guns in the 6600 block Del Playa Drive “appears to be unfounded.” An investigation revealed no evidence of a crime, officials said, and the callers have not been located.