Casino security officer fatally shoots man
SANTA YNEZ, Calif. –Feb 21 2018
Homicide investigators and sheriff deputies are on scene of a fatal shooting involving an armed security officer that occurred earlier this morning.
The shooting occurred at the Chumash Casino Resort in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Authorities say that a security officer shot the adult male and he died at the scene. What led to the fight and ultimately the shooting is under investigation by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.
The shooting happened at 2:15 a.m. Tuesday in a casino parking lot, according to multiple witnesses. Sheriff’s officials say a scuffle between a security officer and another male, possibly a guest at the resort, led to the shooting.
The casino parking area was blocked off with crime scene as investigators collected physical evidence and took photos of the crime scene area.
The dead man’s identity was not released pending notification of relatives.
Investigators also did not report the security officer’s name or employment status with the casino. It is unknown if he works directly for the business or a contract security agency.
Kelly Hoover, the public information officer for the sheriff’s office, says the investigation is ongoing and that it is not known if the deceased person had any weapons.
“The goal is to figure out what led to the incident,” Hoover said.
The casino is not commenting on the matter at this time.
NOTE: This is the 31st fatal shooting by private security officers since January 1 2018.
