Montecito, Calif. – A Montecito man was arrested for negligent discharge of a firearm following a shooting that left a victim with serious injuries.  On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at approximately 11:53 a.m., deputies responded to the 400-block of Woodley Road for a report of a shooting.

When deputies arrived, they found an adult male victim who had been shot in the upper arm while he was walking his dog. Deputies quickly determined that the round came from inside a nearby residence, as indicated by a bullet hole in a window facing the direction of the victim. Deputies quickly detained the resident, 44-year-old Bendar Albashir, who had been rendering aid to the victim. It does not appear that the victim and the suspect are familiar to one another.

The victim was transported to an area hospital and is expected to recover. Albashir was booked at the Main Jail for discharge of a firearm with gross negligence (felony). He has since been released on bail. Detective served a warrant at Albashir’s residence where they recovered the handgun they believe was used.