An unidentified man leaped from the Santa Barbara County landmark at about 1 p.m. and is dead.
More information will be reported when it becomes available.
[UPDATE]:Lt. Paul McCaffrey with the Santa Barbara Police Department issued a press release with additional information on this afternoon’s suicide. The man has been identified as a 44-year-old Santa Barbara resident, though his name hasn’t been released. The jump itself was witnessed by tourists, deputies, and other bystanders, said McCaffrey. Three people up in the clock tower at the time of the incident said they saw the man climb over the railing and stand on a narrow ledge that overlooks the Anacapa Street side of the courthouse.
The people called police for help, and several deputies who work as court bailiffs arrived to assist. Two ran up the staircase while others stood below, ordering bystanders to move away from the potential impact area. Before the two deputies were able to reach the observation deck the man jumped, landing on the lawn next to the stone walkway that leads to the courthouse’s main entrance. Deputies and medical staff began to administer live-saving treatment, but the man was soon pronounced dead at the scene. The Santa Barbara Coroner’s Office then took possession of the body.