Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Carpinteria man Tuesday afternoon following a brief barricade situation at Birnam Wood Golf Club.
On January 27, 2026, deputies were called to the golf course after reports of a man threatening people while armed with a side-handled baton. When deputies arrived, they located the suspect barricaded inside the fitness director’s office.
After a short standoff, the suspect exited the office, dropped the baton and was taken into custody. Deputies report that the man was combative, including spitting in a deputy’s face.
A subsequent search of the suspect’s vehicle revealed multiple weapons, including a loaded handgun, swords, and escrima-style fighting sticks.
The suspect, identified as 70-year-old Chris Ernest Wiedmann of Carpinteria, was booked at the Main Jail on felony obstruction charges, along with several misdemeanor charges including brandishing a weapon, battery on a peace officer, possession of a baton, trespassing, and carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle. He is being held on $150,000 bail.
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A one minute online search shows that the alleged criminal was previously employed by the Country Club where he was arrested.
Perhaps you could update your story with this information, so local residents can be informed that this alleged perp had a history with the county club.
…country club.
I know this guy. Chris is a good person. I have known him since he was a teenager. Surreal reading that he acted in this manner. Waiting to hear the full story. A lot of people will be shocked at this news.