Photo: Joaquin Diaz and Jakub Hanasz
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY – Once again proving the adage “you can run, but you cannot hide,” on the afternoon of November 16th, a coordinated effort on the part of Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department K9 Team and SBSD Air Support personnel led to the capture and arrests of 25-year-old Santa Barbara resident Joaquin Diaz and 20-year-old Jakub Hanasz.
The action began just after noon on the 16th when, according to SBSD Public Information Officer Kelly Hoover, deputies arrived at a Goleta area ranch to investigate the report of a burglary alleged to have occurred the night before.
While the cops were on the scene, they spotted “a suspect attempting to steal a vehicle from the ranch property,” but before contact could be made, the suspect took off running.
Apparently fleet-footed, the suspect scaled “steep terrain” and made good his escape. The pursuing deputy found evidence indicating that the suspect was armed with “an edged weapon or firearm.”
The deputy called in for assistance in his pursuit, and was quickly joined by a trio of K9 teams while the SBSD/Fire Air Support helicopter appeared in the skies overhead. Additional deputies arriving at the scene quickly established “a secure perimeter” and made contact with Diaz who was attempting to leave the area.
It was quickly determined that Diaz had an outstanding arrest warrant and was in possession of items he had just stolen from the property.
With the three K9 units searching every nook and cranny of the ranch, two hours later Hanasz was found “hiding under a lemon tree.” He was promptly taken into custody. The immediately ensuing investigation indicated that Hanasz was in possession of a stolen truck as well as “various items stolen from the ranch property.”
Hanasz was transported to Santa Barbara County Jail, where he was booked on charges of residential burglary, conspiracy, vehicle theft, attempted vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, resisting and delaying a peace officer, and probation violation. He remains in custody on a no-bail hold.
Diaz was transported to Santa Barbara County Jail and booked on charges of residential burglary, conspiracy, and attempted vehicle theft, with his bail set at $55,000.
Photos: Courtesy Santa Barbara County Jail Booking
