Sheriff’s Deputies Successfully Stop Jail Escapee Threatening to Harm Himself

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies, with the assistance of Probation, State Parks and the CHP, were able to stop a man threatening to harm himself with a knife using a distraction tactic and less lethal bean bag projectiles.

The incident occurred at about 9:15 a.m. Tuesday when a State Park Law Enforcement lifeguard contacted Burgazi at the Vista Point rest area along U.S. Highway 101 south of Mariposa , according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The lifeguard told authorities that Burgazi stated he had a weapon and intended to harm himself, before fleeing the area along the railroad tracks.

Deputies confirmed Burgazi had a felony warrant for his arrest for escaping jail. Burgazi was also wanted for violating terms of his felony probation, the Sheriff’s Office says.

Burgazi was found hiding in bushes along the bluffs by a K-9 unit searching the area of Arroyo Quemada.

Burgazi was found with a knife, which the Sheriff’s Office says he intended to use to harm himself. A 2-hour long negotiation with Burgazi took place. Authorities believed Burgazi intended to force police to shoot him based on information received by Burgazi’s spouse.

Authorities say Burgazi was seen placing the knife to his throat and began a cutting motion. However, law enforcement personnel deployed a pyrotechnic distraction device while at the same time utilizing bean bag rounds to stop Burgazi from harming himself.

Within a few minutes Burgazi surrendered to police and was taken to the hospital before being booked into custody at the Santa Barbara County Jail.