Full Notification

On 10-30-22, at approximately 2221 hours, an SMPD officer contacted a male suspect during an investigation in the 1000 block of W. Morrison Ave. During the encounter, the suspect threatened officers with a weapon and refused to comply with verbal commands, even after less lethal impact projectiles were deployed. The suspect fled running to a nearby apartment complex where he hid behind a barrier. Over the course of the next two hours, officers attempted to de-escalate the situation and brought in FBI trained crisis negotiators, but still, he refused to disarm or surrender. While armed, the suspect attempted to forcibly break into an apartment occupied by uninvolved residents which led to an officer involved shooting. The suspect passed away from his injuries.
 
The suspect, whose name is being withheld pending notification to his family, was on active probation for resisting officers by use of threats or force. At the time of this incident, there was an outstanding warrant for the arrest of the suspect for violation of probation.  
 
The Santa Maria Police Department takes use of force by its officers seriously and will conduct an internal investigation to ensure Department polices were properly followed. An independent criminal investigation will be conducted by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff Department and later be reviewed by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the actions of the officers were lawful. 
 
Due to the on-going nature of this investigation, no additional details will be released at this time.
 
The Santa Maria Police Department will make additional information available as the investigation progresses.
 
Commander Dan Cohen
805-928-3781