[Update: Wed., Feb. 18, 2026, 10:30 p.m.] On Wednesday evening, the Santa Barbara Police Department sent out a media release with further details about the stabbing incident at SBCC.
Upon arrival to the East Campus around 5 p.m., officers located one victim, an adult male, who was suffering from “non-life-threatening lacerations to his upper body,” authorities reported. Police officers, firefighters, and medics immediately provided first aid to the victim, who was transported to Cottage Hospital for further treatment. The identity of the victim has not been released.
Officials said that a preliminary investigation revealed that three adult males were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated into a physical altercation, during which one of the males was stabbed. The suspects fled the scene prior to police arrival.
“Officers conducted an extensive search based on information obtained from witnesses but were ultimately unable to locate the suspects,” authorities said. However, police said the incident appeared to be isolated, “and there is no ongoing threat to the public at this time.”
Based on the initial investigation, police said that it does not appear the incident was related to any school-related function. Evening classes were still cancelled and the campus closed for the remainder of the day.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Barbara Police Department at (805) 897-2371.
[Update: Wed., Feb. 18, 2026, 7:30 p.m.] “After another check of Cliff Campus and with an abundance of caution, we will be canceling classes and closing campus this evening” due to the stabbing that took place on campus earlier today, SBCC announced in a timely warning alert sent at 7:20 p.m. Campus Safety is available to escort people to their vehicles to leave campus, and anyone on East Cliff Campus who feels unsafe can call Campus Safety for an escort at (805) 730-4200, the alert states. Police say they believe Wednesday’s stabbing was an isolated incident and that they will be releasing more information this evening.
[Update: Wed., Feb. 18, 2026, 6:55 p.m.] A timely warning alert from SBCC at 6:53 p.m. advised anyone on SBCC Cliff Campus to shelter in place if they are not already doing so. “SBCC will do another check of our campus and will have additional security available to help people leave campus,” the alert reads.
[Original Story] Santa Barbara police are responding to a stabbing that took place early Wednesday evening at Santa Barbara City College.
According to timely warnings sent out to the community following the incident, an altercation took place at 5:02 p.m. at SBCC’s Earth and Biological Sciences Building, resulting in a stab wound to one individual. One to two suspects in black hoodies were last seen heading toward the West Cliff Campus parking structure. The current condition of the victim has not been released.
As of 6 p.m., police were on scene and directing traffic away from the area. The public is advised not to approach or engage the suspects. Anyone with information about the incident or the suspects should call 9-1-1.
