Santa Clarita, CA – September 7, 2025
A 50-year-old homeless man identified as Christopher McCullough was arrested late Tuesday evening after refusing to leave the entrance of a local retail store in Santa Clarita. The incident, which occurred in the busy Granary Square shopping center on McBean Parkway, drew attention from both store patrons and local authorities as it escalated from a routine loitering call into a physical confrontation.
According to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, deputies were dispatched around 10:45 p.m. after employees of a storefront reported a man sleeping directly in front of the business entrance. The individual, later confirmed to be McCullough, had reportedly been there for several hours. Store employees noted that customers were hesitant to enter the store due to McCullough’s presence and unresponsive behavior.
When approached by deputies, McCullough was described as uncooperative and verbally confrontational. “He refused multiple lawful orders to vacate the premises,” said Deputy Maria Lopez, a spokesperson for the SCV Sheriff’s Station. “Our deputies attempted to engage him respectfully and provide options for assistance, including transportation to a local shelter, but he declined.”
As deputies attempted to detain McCullough for trespassing, the situation escalated. According to the sheriff’s report, McCullough allegedly resisted arrest and became physically aggressive, leading to a brief struggle with responding officers. Backup units were called in to assist, and McCullough was eventually restrained and taken into custody without serious injuries to either party.
McCullough was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station on suspicion of trespassing, resisting arrest, and obstructing a peace officer. He is currently being held in lieu of $5,000 bail and is expected to appear in court later this week.
Local residents and business owners have voiced growing concerns about the visible increase in homelessness throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. “We want to be compassionate,” said Jenna Lee, manager of the store where the incident occurred. “But it’s also about safety—for our customers, our staff, and even for the individuals sleeping out here. It’s a complex problem.”
McCullough, who has had prior minor run-ins with local law enforcement for loitering and public disturbances, is believed to be part of the area’s growing unsheltered population. Santa Clarita has seen a rise in homelessness in recent years, prompting calls for expanded outreach services, emergency housing, and mental health support.
Officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health have not confirmed whether McCullough is enrolled in any existing outreach or support programs. However, local advocacy groups have urged the city to improve collaboration between law enforcement and social services to reduce repeat confrontations involving homeless individuals.
The incident remains under review by the sheriff’s department to ensure all procedures were followed appropriately during the arrest.
