DA’s Office charges UCSB soccer player with felony

UPDATE

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office is charging Sam Strong, the UC Santa Barbara soccer player arrested in early October for nearly striking a campus parking service officer, with one felony count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and one count of misdemeanor reckless driving.

Strong was charged and arraigned on Nov. 4. He entered a not guilty plea.

Strong is due back in court on Nov. 30.

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ORIGINAL STORY

Sam Strong, a UC Santa Barbara soccer player, was arrested after campus police said he nearly struck a parking service officer with his car.

Authorities with the UC Police Department say on Oct. 4 around 9 a.m. in Lot 25, parking service officers were placing a parking boot on the 20-year-old’s car for several unpaid citations. Police said Strong allegedly got in his car and drove off almost hitting one of the officers.

Strong was located on campus later and arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and reckless driving.

The UCSB Athletic Department said Judicial Affairs on campus is handling the case and Strong has not played since the incident.

Authorities at the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office said they are waiting for official reports from UC Police before a decision is made whether to file charges.

Strong is the second UC Santa Barbara soccer player to be arrested in the last few years. Peter McGlynn was arrested in 2012 for pushing a referee on the field.

Reporter Alys Martinez have been following this story all morning long and will have full details on KEYT NewsChannel 3 at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.