A 47-year-old man, Jason Tucker, was arrested last week in Montecito, California, after allegedly pouring lighter fluid on his girlfriend and attempting to set her on fire. The incident occurred near Highway 101 and the Sheffield Drive onramp.
Deputies from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene Friday morning following a 911 call from a woman reporting that she was being threatened and that an attempt had been made to ignite her. The woman told deputies that she and Tucker had been at a homeless encampment when an argument escalated. According to the report, Tucker swung a wooden stake at the woman and threatened her life. She fled the encampment and called for help.
Tucker allegedly followed her, threatening to kill her before law enforcement arrived. He then reportedly poured Tiki torch lighter fluid on her, leading the woman to fear for her life. Responders provided medical attention to the victim at the scene.
Deputies, along with officers from the California Highway Patrol and California State Parks personnel, conducted an extensive search of the surrounding rugged terrain but were initially unable to locate Tucker. Shortly after 3 a.m., deputies returned to the encampment and found Tucker, who surrendered and was arrested without further incident.
Tucker was booked into the Santa Barbara County Main Jail on felony charges including assault with a deadly weapon, assault with caustic chemicals or flammable substances, criminal threats, and attempting to prevent a victim or witness from reporting a crime. His bail was set at $100,000.
Montecito is known as an enclave for billionaires, with notable residents including Oprah Winfrey, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and developer Rick Caruso.