Suspicious object left at Solvang Sheriff’s Office triggers evacuation of surrounding buildings

SOLVANG, Calif. – A suspicious object was left for disposal at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office in Solvang resulting in evacuations of the substation and surrounding buildings on Thursday. The item has been recovered and safely destroyed.

According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, a good Samaritan brought the item to the Sheriff's substation that they wanted "booked for destruction".

The Sheriff's Office wants to clarify that they prefer the public let trained Sheriff's deputies retrieve these items instead of transporting them for destruction.

An explosive ordinance disposal team was on the scene and two bearcat wheeled SWAT vehicles were strategically placed between the public and the suspicious object.

Law enforcement was monitoring the scene along Maple Avenue, between Pine Street and Alisal Road.

Some of the evacuated buildings included the Sheriff's Solvang substation, the Veterans Hall, the City Library, and a local food distribution center.

The Santa Barbara Sheriff's Office asked that the public avoid the area.