Santa Barbara, Calif. –  An apparent escape attempt was stopped at the Main Jail on Monday night. On July 31, 2023, at approximately 8:44 p.m., custody deputies observed five unescorted inmates in an unauthorized area. This incident occurred during a group movement as part of a routine linen exchange. Custody staff initiated safety procedures including locking down the facility while Sheriff’s deputies and area agencies responded to the exterior of the jail to assist.

The involved inmates were quickly located within the jail facility where they had defeated one layer of security, with several layers of security remaining between them and the public. The inmates were secured and rehoused. Sheriff’s detectives responded to conduct a criminal investigation that remains ongoing. The identity of the involved inmates is pending due to the ongoing investigation.