Full Notification

SANTA BARBARA, CA – April 19, 2020 @ 12:15 P.M.

On April 18, 2020, around 11:40 P.M., Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol Officers observed two males engaged in a verbal altercation at the Harbor Parking Lot, in the 100 Block of Harbor Way. Harbor Patrol Officers requested the Santa Barbara Police Department’s assistance when one of the males became uncooperative.

Within minutes, a Police Supervisor and Officer arrived on scene. One of the males, now identified as Santa Barbara resident Dominic Sanginiti, age 35, appeared to be the main aggressor in the disturbance. He was heavily intoxicated and noncooperative.

As the two Police Officers attempted to calm Sanginiti, they observed a handgun holster attached to Sanginiti’s hip as well as a knife protruding from his pants pocket. Sanginiti refused to follow Officer’s commands. He then moved his hands in a menacing fashion while backing away. Officers requested additional cover units to respond immediately to the scene with lights and siren.

The two on-scene Officers attempted to subdue and detain Sanginiti in fear that he might reach for one of his weapons. Sanginiti took a combative stance and actively fought Officers. He continued to not comply with many verbal commands.

An on-scene Harbor Patrol Officer deployed his taser striking Sanginiti with two electric probes. This effectively allowed Police Officers to take Sanginiti to the ground. On the ground, Officers observed a black handgun protruding from Sanginiti’s waistband – not contained within the holster.

Sanginiti aggressively attacked and punched both Police Officers. Officers struggled with Sanginiti to ensure he could not reach for his weapon. Additional Officers arrived on scene to help subdue Sanginiti. Police Officers were able to eventually place Sanginiti in handcuffs and safely retrieve the loaded firearm.

The initial responding Supervisor and Police Officer involved in the arrest both sustained injuries that required immediate medical care. Their injuries included a dislocation and a broken bone. The suspect did not require medical care.

Sanginiti was arrested for 148.10(a) PC – Resisting Causing Serious Bodily Injury to an Officer, 69 PC – Resisting by Means of Force, 243(b) PC – Battery on a Peace Officer, 25850(a) PC – Carrying Loaded Firearm, 25400(a)(2) PC – Carrying Concealed Firearm, 148(a) PC – Resisting Arrest and 647(f) – Public Intoxication.

Sanginiti was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail and is awaiting arraignment.