Goleta, Calif. – A 15-year-old male has been arrested for the attempted murder of two victims at Haskell’s Beach. On Sunday, September 22, 2024, at approximately 12:51 a.m., deputies responded to a report of a shooting at Haskell’s Beach. When they arrived, they located two adult male victims, each in their early twenties, with gunshot wounds and learned that the male suspect had fled the area. Deputies also learned that the suspect flashed gang signs at the victims before shooting them. One victim had a single shot to the hip area and the second victim was shot in each leg. The victims were transported to an area hospital and are expected to survive.

Deputies established a perimeter and began searching for the suspect. At approximately 2:19 a.m., deputies located the suspect who attempted to flee on foot and in the process dropped a handgun. The suspect was taken into custody and booked at the Santa Maria Juvenile Hall for two counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a concealed firearm, gang enhancement, and enhancement for using a firearm in the commission of a felony.  Juveniles are not eligible for bail and this case will be forwarded to Juvenile Probation for adjudication. Deputies recovered a handgun dropped by the suspect at the scene that was registered to an owner from out of the area and was not reported stolen. It does not appear that the suspect and the victims are known to one another.