Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Santa Maria, California. Around 5:28 p.m. on January 13, 2024, deputies responded to the 800 block of Blake Street for a reported family dispute. According to a media release from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, deputies learned that a male suspect had brandished a firearm during the argument.

Family members fled from the residence before calling for assistance. At the scene, deputies surrounded the home and evacuated nearby residences. For several hours, negotiates tried to de-escalate and stabilize the situation. Around 9:35 p.m., deputies encountered the suspect in the backyard of the residence and an officer-involved shooting occurred.

The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. No deputies required medical attention. The names of those involved are not being released at this time.