Homeless man arrested for allegedly chasing man with knife in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Santa Barbara police arrested a homeless man Thursday morning for allegedly chasing a man with a knife after being caught stealing a case of beer from his truck.

Police received multiple 911 calls regarding the incident around 9:40 a.m. Witnesses said they saw a man chasing another man with a knife near Santa Barbara’s harbor boat launch.

Nearby officers arrived at the scene within about a minute and said they saw a suspect with what appeared to be a knife in his hand chasing someone around the Sea Landing area.

When officers attempted to intercept the suspect, he reportedly fled on foot towards Cabrillo Boulevard, discarding the knife during the chase.

After a short foot pursuit, the suspect was apprehended by police. The knife, however, was not located despite an extensive search.

According to witness statements, the suspect allegedly tried to steal a case of beer from the truck bed of the victim’s vehicle. When the victim confronted the suspect about the theft, the suspect allegedly brandished a knife and chased the victim on foot around the parking lot, leaving behind the case of beer.

Police said the victim was able to narrowly avoid the suspect’s slashing motions on multiple advances.

The 29-year-old homeless man was arrested and later booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on charges for attempted murder and resisting arrest.