Law enforcement officers searched Thursday night for a residential burglary suspect in the area of Foothill and Northridge roads near Santa Barbara. 

Around 7:15 p.m., Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a burglary incident on the 1300 block of Barger Canyon where the suspect fled with a stolen rifle, spokesperson Raquel Zick said Friday.

“Responding deputies surrounded the property and learned that the suspect had taken a rifle from the victim’s residence and was seen in a cabin on the same property. To safeguard the community, deputies requested that area residents shelter in place while they searched for the suspect,” she said.

Authorities were using a helicopter and drone in addition to deputies on the ground during the search, according to emergency radio traffic.

A K-9 team also was called in to assist.

“A thorough search of the large property and surrounding area was conducted on ground and from the air, however deputies later learned that the suspect had fled the area as the search began. After approximately an hour and a half, deputies lifted the shelter in place,” Zick said.

Deputies suspended the search around 10:35 p.m., according to emergency radio traffic.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department operation also included Santa Barbara police units and California Highway Patrol officers.  

Residents in the area reported getting shelter-in-place notifications around 9:45 p.m. 

“The Sheriff’s Office has issued a shelter in place order for Barger Canyon and Northridge area (of) Santa Barbara due to law enforcement activity in the area,” the alert said.

“Residents are advised to stay inside and close all doors and windows until further notice.”

The alert was sent through the county’s ReadySBC.org emergency alert system.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information can contact the Sheriff’s Office at 805.681.4100, Zick said.