SANTA BARBARA, CA — July 16th 2026 — An alleged robbery of a necklace turned violent, resulting in one arrest.
Hundreds of shoppers and tourists were strolling Santa Barbara’s downtown State Street
on the balmy evening of July 15 when a violent confrontation broke out in their midst.
According to Santa Barbara Police Department spokesman Lt. Ryan DeJohn, “an
alleged theft of a necklace from a juvenile” escalated quickly into violence at
approximately 8:50 p.m. when an adult “approached a juvenile male and became
verbally confrontational,”
The situation quickly intensified when the adult allegedly grabbed a necklace from the
juvenile’s neck, prompting a physical altercation.
As the fight spread, multiple juveniles became involved. Video recorded by a bystander
and published in the local media shows the adult suspect exchanging blows with several-
juveniles.
SBPD patrol officers responded to a 911 alert and quickly restored order. The
immediately ensuing investigation at the scene ended with the arrest of
Fernando Serrano, 45, of Santa Barbara. He was transported to Santa Barbara
County Jail, where he was booked on charges of strong-arm robbery and child
endangerment with his bail set at $100,000.
– By F. Scott Faulkner
