Report of Gunshots Closes Bath Street in Downtown Santa Barbara

A report of gunshots heard in downtown Santa Barbara closed a section of Bath Street on Thursday afternoon, January 29, 2026.

At 3:02 p.m., Santa Barbara Police officers responded to the 300 block of W. Figueroa Street at the intersection of Bath Street for an investigation into “shots fired.”

A witness on the scene reported over ten police officers responded and closed down Bath Street from Carrillo to Figueroa Streets. 

Upon arrival, Officers were alerted that there were multiple subjects involved in a fight near the intersection of Bath and Figueroa Streets. During the altercation, a single gunshot was heard, and all involved subjects fled the scene on foot, reports the Police Department.

Two of the subjects involved in the incident were detained on the Anapamu Street foot bridge and taken into custody without incident.

“Based upon the initial investigation, it did not appear that anyone was injured as a result of the gunshot,” the Police Department stated.

The Santa Barbara Police Department issued a public alert for residents and motorists to stay away from the area due to an active investigation. The roadway was reopened around 5:00 p.m.

The Police Department states this is an on-going investigation and based upon the investigation this appears to be an isolated event and there are no other public safety concerns.

[Ed Note: This article has been updated to include new information from the Santa Barbara Police Department]