A suspect was arrested under a charge of assault with a deadly weapon after he brandished a knife to an apartment complex staff member in Isla Vista, resulting in a dispute that caused minor injuries.

The incident occurred at about 7:50 p.m. on Saturday when the UC Police Department received a report from a Tropicana Gardens staff member of a resident “acting strangely,” according to an alert sent out by the UC Santa Barbara Police Department (UCPD).

The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Whari Lewis, according to Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) arrest records.

The suspect argued with the staff and “brandished” a knife when approached. After a “struggle,” a staff member was struck with a lamp causing minor injuries.

The suspect was later contacted by law enforcement, arrested and booked at the Santa Barbara County Jail on a $30,000 bail.

The suspect is not affiliated with UCSB. He was described as an African-American male with black hair weighing approximately 200 lbs and is about 5 feet and 10 inches tall.

UCPD is investigating the crime and asks the public to provide any information that might aid the investigation by calling (805) 893-3446 or by reporting anonymously here.

Updated: This article was updated to include the suspect’s name. 

Print