Santa Barbara police end SWAT operation at Eastside home after one hurt in shooting

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- A dramatic five-hour police SWAT response forced east side Santa Barbara residents from their homes Monday evening following a shooting and SUV crash.

The incident began after 5:00 p.m. and police officers removed crime tape up and around the intersection of Salinas and Cacique/Eucalyptus Hill just after 11:00 p.m.

Several callers described gunshots to 911 operators. A black SUV crashed into a tree and caught fire. An injured man described as an "out of county resident" was taken from the SUV and rushed to the hospital. The vehicle had shattered windows on one side and a tire was blown out.

Police described the man's injuries "significant" and reported he was in critical condition.

A witness told police he saw one man run into the back or side yard of a home on the 200 block of Salinas Street. Earlier, police sent a "shelter in place" message via reverse 911 to residents. Later a law sheriff's helicopter broadcast a similar message to the neighborhood while hovering above the scene.

Officers evacuated a woman, several children and a dog from the home on Salinas Street. Police believed the man being sought may have been hiding in a shed alongside the home, next to Kennedy's Automotive Center.

The Santa Barbara Police Department SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Response Teams, police dogs and offices armed with high powered rifles all responded to the scene.

Once police were able to remove the doors to the shed, it became clear the man sought was not inside. After five hours, crews approached the shed and removed the doors. The search was called off and roads re-opened after 11:00 p.m.

The investigation continued Tuesday. This story will be updated with any new details.