Santa Barbara man arrested after threatening State Parks employee with scissors

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A Santa Barbara man was arrested after threatening a State Parks employee with scissors.

On Wednesday at around 2:45 p.m., Santa Barbara police officers responded to the 100 block of East Canon Perdido Street to reports of a man brandishing a "fixed blade weapon" and making threats to an employee at the El Presidio State Park.

Officers made contact with the victim who told police the man had also pushed them before pulling out the weapon.

The suspect fled the scene before police arrived. A description was provided and given to responding officers.

Later that day, officers responded to the 1000 block of Santa Barbara Street after the suspect was spotted.

A police sergeant tried to detain the man who refused commands. According to police, the man went towards the sergeant with the weapon in his hand, later identified as a large pair of scissors.

The sergeant called for backup and after attempts to de-escalate the situation, the man dropped the weapon and was detained without further incident.

The State Parks employee confirmed the identity of the suspect. Police said the man is a 60-year-old transient in the area.

He was booked for criminal threats, brandishing a weapon and battery and is being held on $50,000 bail.