Deputies arrest man for vehicle theft after two-hour search near Goleta

GOLETA, Calif. - Santa Barbara County Sheriff's deputies arrested a man for who allegedly stole a truck Tuesday morning. They searched for him for nearly two hours.

Deputies were called about 7:06 a.m. to a report of someone causing a disturbance on Hollister at Walnut. While deputies were on their way, the man allegedly stole a white flatbed Ford truck and drove towards Turnpike along Hollister, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

A short time later, deputies found the vehicle on the 4700 block of Ashdale.

Deputies looked for the man who they say was taking off clothing as he ran through neighborhoods. K9 units and County Air Support responded to assist with the search.

Sheriff’s dispatch received several calls throughout the area of possible sightings of the man including a call at 9:26 a.m. from the area of Camino Floral and Orchid Drive reporting someone who was wrapped in a sheet, matching the description of the suspect.

Deputies found the suspect in the area of S. Patterson Avenue and More Ranch Road where he was taken into custody. He was booked at the Southern Branch Jail for vehicle theft (misdemeanor), loitering on private property (misdemeanor), and a violation of probation. He is being held without bail. 

Deputies received reports that the suspect may have cut through various properties and encourage any additional victims to contact Sheriff’s Headquarters at (805)681-4100.