Santa Barbara, Calif. – Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a second juvenile for the knife attack on February 27, 2024, and are seeking the public’s assistance for any additional information.  On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at approximately 1:32 p.m., deputies responded to the Turnpike Shopping Center for a report of a fight in progress. When they arrived, deputies found a male juvenile victim with a laceration to his hand. Additional juveniles who were involved in the altercation fled prior to deputies’ arrival.

At approximately 2:08 p.m., deputies contacted a male juvenile on Hollister, west of Turnpike Road who matched the description of a suspect involved in the assault. The 15-year-old male juvenile was found to be in possession of a concealed fixed blade knife. He was cited for the concealed knife as well as possession of a knife on school campus and released to a guardian. His case has been forwarded to juvenile probation.

Through their investigation, deputies identified a separate 15-year-old male juvenile as the primary suspect in the knife attack. Deputies authored an arrested warrant for this juvenile, and it was approved by a judge. On Thursday, February 29, 2024, at approximately 11:35 a.m., deputies located the juvenile in the 100-block of S. Turnpike Road and arrested him on the warrant. The juvenile was booked at the Santa Maria Juvenile Hall for attempted murder.

Deputies believe there were additional juveniles involved in this attack and are reaching out to ask anyone with information to contact deputies at (805)681-4100. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can provide information by calling our tip line at (805)681-4171 or SBSheriff.org.

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