UCSB police officer arrested for pulling gun at downtown SB nightclub

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Santa Barbara police arrested a UCSB police officer who they say pulled his gun out during a fight at a downtown Santa Barbara nightclub.

Police say they became aware of the incident through a social media post on Tuesday.

Police say the incident happened on Sunday, and the department started investigating as soon as officers saw the social media post.

During the incident, police say the officer, identified as Marco Pavico, was off-duty and under the influence of alcohol. They say he got into an argument where he showed his badge and gun.

Police say he is a new police officer with the UCSB department.

Pavico was placed on leave during the investigation.

The UCSB police chief says his gun was seized, and he is suspended from police duties during the investigation.

Pavico was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail and could face charges of battery and brandishing a firearm. As of Friday, he was no longer listed as being in custody at the jail.

Police say the criminal investigation is ongoing.

Santa Barbara police posted a video message talking about the investigation.