Santa Maria police identify officer who shot, injured man outside miniature golf course

A man shot by Santa Maria police remains in a local hospital undergoing treatment for a non-life-threatening injury four days after the incident, Lt. Jesse Silva said Thursday.

The man, whose name hasn’t been released, was injured on Father’s Day after police responded just before 1 p.m. Sunday to a report of a man waving a gun in front of “numerous community members” at Boomers! Miniature Golf Arcade, 2250 N. Preisker Lane.

Employees ushered people inside the building, secured the doors and sheltered in place, police said.

A short time later, officers spotted the suspect near the new Preisker Commercial Center at the intersection of Preisker Lane and North Broadway, and said he brandished a handgun.

One officer, identified Thursday as Ethan Brown, a 2½-year veteran of the department, discharged his firearm, striking the suspect.

After the shooting, officers “rapidly engaged in lifesaving efforts to treat the suspect for his injuries,” according to police.

On Thursday, police remained mum about other details regarding the man’s injuries and whether they have had prior encounters with him.

At the request of Santa Maria police, members of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting.

Police initially said they recovered a handgun, which reportedly may have been a replica weapon and since has been handed over to the Sheriff’s Office as part of the investigation.