Jalama Beach partially evacuated due to suicidal man

Jalama Beach campground was partially evacuated due to a suicidal man in a motorhome with a loaded handgun threatening to shoot himself Saturday night.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Deputies from Lompoc and Santa Maria responded to a report of a suicidal subject in a motorhome at the Jalama Beach Campground threatening to shoot himself with a loaded handgun around 7:00 p.m.

The Sheriff’s Office says the campground was partially evacuated and a dialogue was started with the 63-year old man from Arizona to try to de-escalate the situation. At one point deputies say the man opened the door and pointed the gun to his head.

After more than an hour, deputies were able to calm him and safely transport him to an area hospital for treatment and a mental health evaluation.

If you or someone you know needs mental health services, information or referrals in Santa Barbara County, call the 24/7 Access Line at 1-888-868-1649

For more information on suicide prevention, click here.