Parents of Cleveland Elementary School students received word this morning that classes had been canceled. At 2:10 a.m., the Santa Barbara Police Department got calls of “shots fired” near the school on Alameda Padre Serra, and responding officers had found a man with a gunshot wound on campus. He was taken to Cottage Hospital.
The school was closed as it is a crime scene with detectives and forensic investigators combing the grounds for evidence, said SBPD spokesperson Anthony Wagner. In a press release, he stated there was no danger to the surrounding neighborhood; the shooting appeared to not be random. Residents may see and hear a low-flying helicopter, he stated, but it is not chasing a suspect but rather being used as part of the visual and geographic investigation.
[Update: Nov. 8, 2018, 3:20 p.m.] Police have requested public help in finding the dark blue Honda Accord pictured, license plate CA 5AGL756. It belongs to the victim in the assault, and the suspects are considered armed and dangerous. Police officials identified them as two Hispanic males of unknown ages. The public is advised to call Detective Klug at 897-2346, Detective Sgt. Tagless at 897-2347, or the anonymous police line at 897-2386.
This story will be updated as information becomes available.