Full Notification

Local Law Enforcement agencies joined forces to control unruly crowds at a spring break party in Isla Vista known as Deltopia which drew a crowd of about fifteen thousand people. A major disturbance broke out around 9:30 p.m. Saturday night, April 5, in the 6700 block of Del Playa Drive, following an incident in which a University of California Santa Barbara Police officer received a significant head injury. The UCSB Police officer was hit in the head with a backpack that contained large bottles of alcohol. During the arrest, a large crowd gathered for several blocks and threw objects at law enforcement personnel, including rocks, bricks and bottles.

An unlawful assembly was declared and soon afterward the situation escalated into a major disturbance, emergency situation. Law Enforcement personnel from Santa Barbara and Ventura County were summoned to assist the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office in gaining control of the situation to protect life and property. Chemical agents and less lethal foam projectiles were deployed to disperse the crowds.

At least five more Sheriff’s deputies were injured during the course of the event. One was hit in the face with a brick, and two others were hit in the hand with bottles. Approximately 26 people were transported to area hospitals.

Individuals also ripped up stop signs, lit several small fires and damaged property, including several law enforcement vehicles. It took several hours for law enforcement to disperse the crowd and restore order.

Approximately 19 people were arrested during the disturbance. Throughout the course of the day and evening, more than 100 people were arrested and at least 44 people were transported to the hospital.