Man Injured in Isla Vista Stabbing

A street scuffle in Isla Vista on Saturday morning became potentially lethal as one of the participants drew a knife, stabbing one of his opponents. According to one bystander, the incident occurred on the 6500 block of Del Playa Drive – in the vicinity of the so called “Marley House” – just after 1:30 a.m. on October 11, resulting in one man being transported to the hospital for stab wounds, and another being taken into custody by sheriff’s deputies. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department stated that detectives are still investigating the altercation, and that several other young men are suspected of involvement.

Lt. Brian Olmstead, a deputy with the Isla Vista Foot Patrol, said that deputies stationed on Del Playa Drive observed the fight taking place, but were only able to detain two men – the stabbing victim and one of the assailants. “When they stabbed him, he felt something, and yelled. Blood was dripping down his side,” said a bystander who, having observed the fight from the immediate proximity, wished not to be named. The bystander also noted that the man who was stabbed was also pursued briefly by his opponents, and that despite repeated pleas to let him go, his attackers only desisted in their pursuit when they were confronted by law enforcement officers.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, none of the suspects have affiliation with UCSB or SBCC, but that they may have been from the Santa Barbara area. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information to contact them at (805) 681-4100.