Bicycle Cops Arrest Chainsaw-Stealing Parolee

Santa Barbara police officers patrolling on bicycles arrested 44-year-old Charles Armstrong last week for allegedly stealing a chainsaw from a Milpas Street store.

At around 2:30 p.m. last Friday, reported Lt. James Pfleging, the officers were flagged down by an employee of A-OK Mower Shop who said Armstrong was witnessed by multiple people running from the business carrying a chainsaw. The tool was later found hidden in a hedge.

Officers tracked Armstrong — on state parole with prior convictions for felony theft — to the front of a nearby bagel shop. He denied his involvement in the incident and ever being in the business. Pfleging noted, however, that surveillance footage showed Armstrong grabbing the chainsaw from A-OK Mower Shop and running off.

Armstrong was booked into County Jail on charges of commercial burglary, possession of prescription drugs, and parole violation.