Detectives Dog Down “Blood” for Attempted Murder
Santa Barbara – Pursuant to an investigation that undoubtedly has Santa Barbara Police Chief Cam Sanchez wringing his hands over the growing complexities of policing one of the state’s premier tourist destinations which continues to be the home of increasing and violent gang-related activity, Avery Anthony Morris Jr., 29, a reputed member of Los Angeles’ notorious “Bloods”, was arrested on November 26th on charges of attempted murder upon a local resident.
Avery Morris
According to SBPD Public Information Officer Sgt. Riley Harwood, a hit-and-run incident on September 13th, 2012, left a 27 year-old pedestrian sprawled on a downtown street just before midnight. The victim was treated for multiple serious injuries at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital while traffic investigators conducted an investigation and learned from numerous witnesses that the victim had been intentionally struck by Morris following an altercation at a party.
“The victim had attempted to keep the peace at the party,” Harwood reported, “and had helped escort Morris outside.” At that time, according to Harwood’s report to the media, Morris verbally threatened the lives of those in attendance at the social gathering, boasting that he was member of the Bloods. After departing the area for a period of time, Morris then returned, announcing that he was in possession of a firearm, causing considerable fear on the part of those in attendance who summarily ran for cover.
At that time, according to Harwood, witnesses reported that the suspect known to them only as “Avery” drove away, only to return moments later at high speed, driving down the street and “tracking with the victim” to strike him in the middle of the roadway. The suspect then drove away from the scene and was not located by SBPD Detectives.
Undaunted, SBPD Crimes Against Persons detectives ran a records check on the name “Avery”, and information was obtained indicating that Avery Anthony Morris, with a reported address of Schoolhouse Road in Montecito, had been cited six months prior for various Vehicle Code violations and was on felony probation for resisting arrest. “It was discovered that he had moved without notifying Santa Barbara County Probation of his whereabouts,” Harwood reported, and a felony warrant for attempted murder with bail at $1,000,000 was issued.
That warrant proved fruitful, as Morris was found to be residing in Pasadena, Ca., and was arrested there by officers from the Pasadena Police Department. Days later, Morris was transported to Santa Barbara County Jail where he was booked on probation violations, felony attempted murder, and active participation in a street gang.
Photo: Courtesy Santa Barbara County Jail
Read more:
Noozhawk: Man Jailed on Attempted Murder Charge in Hit-and-Run
KeyT: Hit and Run Suspect Arrested
