A former “Alt Ed Student of the Month” who attended La Cuesta Continuation High School in downtown Santa Barbara was arrested Saturday after he allegedly fired a gun during a fight.
Jose Manual Suastegui, 20, was booked in county jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm. No injuries were reported. His bail was set at $250,000.
In December 2022, Suastegui was recognized by the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara for demonstrating “outstanding academic and personal achievement.” He had been nominated by his English teacher, who said Suastegui had “exhibited leadership in the classroom and overcome several issues with hard work.”…