A fatal shooting at Bohnett Park early Friday morning is being investigated as a homicide, Santa Barbara Police Cmdr. Chris Payne confirmed.
Police were dispatched to the park, near San Pascual and Anapamu streets on the Westside, at approximately 1:31 a.m. Friday, following reports of gunfire.
When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound, along with a second individual who was not injured.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. The wounded man was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, where he later died from his injuries, authorities said.
According to police, the suspect or suspects fled the area in an unknown vehicle before officers arrived. No suspect information has been released.
The case remains under active investigation, and police said the shooting appears to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the public.
By Friday morning, the park and surrounding stretch of San Pascual Street remained closed as detectives continued their work.
Under a stark gray sky, police tape sealed off the area as patrol vehicles blocked the street, and evidence markers were visible near the scene of the fatal shooting.
Nearby, a German shepherd stood watch behind a fence marked with “beware of dog” signs, its presence a silent counterpoint to the scene unfolding down the street.
Several neighbors said they heard multiple gunshots during the early-morning hours. Another resident, who spoke with the News-Press in Spanish, said they were unaware of the incident until police arrived.
A single mother who lives on the block and asked not to be identified said she has lived there for 12 years and described the neighborhood as close-knit and neighborly, adding that she has never felt unsafe taking her young child to Bohnett Park.
The name of the victim has not been released pending notification of family.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Barbara Police Department at (805) 897-2372.
