Santa Barbara Police are actively searching for a male suspect wanted in connection with an armed bank robbery that occurred on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The incident took place shortly before 3:00 p.m. at the Bank of America located at 1096 Coast Village Road in Santa Barbara, California. According to Santa Barbara Police Commander Nathan Beltran, the suspect brandished what appeared to be a handgun during the robbery and successfully stole approximately $3,000 in cash. The suspect is described as being approximately 6 feet tall and was wearing a black or dark hoodie with a mask covering his face. After the robbery, the individual exited through the rear of the bank, jumped onto a bicycle, and fled the scene wearing a black backpack. Police units quickly converged on the area and were assisted by a tracking K-9 unit from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities believe the suspect may have attempted to evade capture by taking the tunnel under the freeway toward the beach area. Officers subsequently searched the nearby bike path and train tracks. During the search, officers reportedly discovered a backpack belonging to the suspect that contained items he was wearing. As of 5:30 p.m. on the day of the incident, the suspect remained at large, and the investigation is ongoing. The Santa Barbara Police Department is urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any information regarding the suspect's whereabouts. Residents who may have seen the individual or have surveillance footage from the area are encouraged to contact the Santa Barbara Police Department or the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office with any tips. The case remains under active investigation as law enforcement continues to track the suspect's movements following the armed robbery.