Agitated Man Stabs Santa Barbara County Deputy in Chest

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An agitated 44-year-old man named Abu Bakr Sugich stabbed a Santa Barbara County sheriff's deputy in the upper chest during a welfare check in Goleta, California. The deputy, Fabian Flores, was treated for a non-life-threatening injury and has since been released from the hospital.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the risks and unpredictable nature of law enforcement work, emphasizing the critical importance of deescalation tactics, teamwork, and rapid response in protecting both the public and police personnel.

The details

Shortly after midnight, Sugich called sheriff's dispatch and threatened to harm someone. Deputies responded to the La Posada temporary supportive housing community, where they located the extremely agitated Sugich. During the encounter, Sugich briefly walked away before returning and advancing toward Deputy Flores, at which point he produced a black hunting-style knife and stabbed Flores in the upper chest. Other deputies were able to quickly gain control of Sugich, take him to the ground, and place him in handcuffs. Flores was transported to the hospital and later released.

• The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Friday, March 21, 2026.
• Sugich first called sheriff's dispatch shortly after midnight and repeated the threat minutes later.

What’s next

Sugich is being held on $1 million bail and is facing charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.