Man arrested for alleged carjacking, kidnapping at Chumash Casino

Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies arrested 46-year-old Michael Howard Burritt, of Lompoc, on suspicion of carjacking, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon and armed robbery.

The alleged assault happened at approximately 2:30 a.m. Tuesday when a woman was getting into her car at the Chumash Casino parking structure.

Burritt allegedly jumped into the woman’s car, put a knife to her throat and ordered her to drive. The woman managed to open a car door and yell for help, that’s when Burritt bailed and fled out of the parking structure.

Authorities say the victim suffered a small cut on her hand.

Sheriff’s deputies responded and brought in the K9 unit. After a short foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody near Highway 246 just east of Via Juana. The K9 unit helped to locate and remove the suspect from bushes.

Burritt’s wife, 47-year-old Diane Evelyn Burritt, who was in the casino at the time of the incident, and was found to have a warrant out for her arrest by the sheriff department.

The couple was transported to the Santa Barbara County Jail. Michael Burritt is being held without bail. Diane Burritt’s bail is set at $5,000.

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