Serial burglary suspect arrested

SANTA BARBARA —

The Santa Barbara Police Department has arrested Brian Christopher Schotz, 47, on suspicion of being involved in multiple commercial burglaries over the past several months in Santa Barbara.

On Jan. 18, Santa Barbara police officers were on patrol in the area of 300 East Cabrillo Boulevard when they contacted and detained Mr. Schotz for violating a Santa Barbara municipal code section.

Sgt. Ethan Ragsdale, the department’s public information officer, said Mr. Schotz was identified as a suspect involved in the series of burglaries. These cases have been under active investigation by the detective bureau.

Mr. Schotz was arrested on scene and transported to the Santa Barbara Police Department. He was later