Police arrest teenager involved in an attempted robbery on State Street in downtown Santa Barbara
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Santa Barbara Police arrested a teenager involved in the attempted robbery at Bella Rosa Galleries and Gillio Rare Coins and Fine Jewelry located at 1103 State Street in downtown Santa Barbara Wednesday afternoon.
Ethan Ragsdale, Santa Barbara Police information officer, said that the 19-year-old from Santa Barbara was booked in the Santa Barbara County Jail for attempted robbery, burglary, resisting an officer, felony battery, providing a false name, and possession of methamphetamine. His bail was set at one million dollars. Ragsdale confirmed that a pellet gun that looks similar to an actual firearm was used in this attempted robbery.
Your News Channel's John Palminteri reported Wednesday afternoon that two ambulances came to the area to transport at least two people to Cottage Hospital – one of whom is believed to be a suspect. Witnesses in the area said a fight happened inside the storefront. One witness said that one victim appeared to be more injured than the other.
Gil Mitchell was across the street enjoying a meal when the situation unfolded in front of him.
"We noticed a cop car blocking the street and then we saw about six cops just run into the jewelry store," said Mitchell.
Santa Barbara Police officers responded to this incident around 4:26 p.m. on Wednesday. Officers taped off the area around the two stores at State and Figueroa.
Alphonso Espino is the owner of the Hempwise store next door. He heard the scuffle and then people saying to call the police. He immediately dialed 911 and relayed urgent information. "I was stressing that we need police here now and that there were injuries yea and I was under the impression that a suspect had run out but I was wrong."
Gil Mitchell was across the street. He said, "and then we saw about six cops run into the jewelry store and uh and that's when my aunt came over and started taking pictures."
Multiple police department employees including Chief Kelly Gordon were on the scene. Sgt. Ethan Ragsdale said officers had to enter the small store and control the situation during the fight that had a possible firearm. "So officers were able to ultimately break apart the subjects that were fighting and go into first aid mode to anyone who had injuries," he said. Ragsdale said no officers were injured.
Two police detectives went in an AMR ambulance with the suspect to Cottage Hospital.
Half the block was close off for about two hours. Employees and passersby gave witness statements to investigating officers.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Santa Barbara Police, especially if you were in the area and saw what happened and left prior to the arrival of the police units.
(NOTE: This story has four video clips attached from our 5, 6, 6:30 and 11 p.m. news with different content)
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as updates come into the newsroom.
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