An explosion rocked the Santa Barbara County courthouse in Santa Maria Wednesday morning, sending shockwaves through the city and forcing lockdowns of multiple facilities.

According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, at least two individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and one suspect was taken into custody shortly after the incident. By 10:30 a.m., the scene was still active, and authorities were continuing their investigation, as reported by KSBY 6.

As reported by Santa Maria City officials, a suspect was apprehended after allegedly causing an explosion at approximately 8:34 a.m. The suspect reportedly threw a backpack at courthouse security, which then detonated.

The exact nature of the device used in the explosion remains under investigation, but law enforcement quickly responded to the threat, detaining the suspect on-site. The courthouse and surrounding areas were promptly evacuated and secured.

City Hall, the finance department, the public library, and the recreation and parks department were also put on lockdown as a precautionary measure. These buildings, located near the courthouse along McClelland Street, were ordered to remain closed for the rest of the day.

The Sheriff’s Office urged residents to stay away from the area, as streets surrounding the courthouse, including Miller Street from Cook to Central and McClelland Street from Boone to Cook, were blocked off to traffic.

The safety of the area was still uncertain as of mid-morning, and first responders worked diligently to assess the situation.

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One eyewitness recounted the tense moment when the suspect stormed into the courthouse, tossing what appeared to be a backpack right at security. Moments later, an explosion shook the building, sending people into a panic. Fortunately, security officers acted swiftly and efficiently, tackling the suspect before any further chaos could unfold. Their quick response likely prevented a much more disastrous outcome, as they immediately secured the individual before anyone else could be harmed.

Santa Maria police confirmed that the Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the explosion. However, details remain scarce as officials have not yet confirmed the full extent of the injuries or the damage caused. While two individuals reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries, the total impact of the blast remains under review.

The courthouse remains closed, and as of now, there is no timeline for when it might reopen. Authorities are working around the clock to assess the situation and gather more information, but Santa Maria residents are urged to remain on high alert. Law enforcement continues to advise the public to steer clear of the area while the investigation unfolds.

This developing story is far from over, and as the investigation proceeds, more updates will likely emerge. For now, local residents are reminded to stay cautious and follow any instructions from officials regarding safety and road closures.

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