19-year-old Santa Maria man arrested in connection to shooting and weapons violations 
Case #SMPD23-0003205
On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at about 6:30 AM, the Santa Maria Police Department's Detective Bureau with assistance from the Santa Maria Police Department's SWAT Team served search and arrest warrants at a residence in the 1900 block of Estriga Court. This was a result of an ongoing investigation by detectives related to a shooting that occurred in the City of Santa Maria on March 23, 2023.
On Thursday, March 23, 2023, at about 7:00 PM, an SMPD K-9 Officer was proactively patrolling the area of Thornburg and Newlove. The officer heard a loud bang before witnessing a male suspect fire a gun towards a residence. The suspect, later identified as 19-year-old Mario Zamora, fled the scene in his vehicle subsequently evading officers. Officers on scene located evidence connected to the shooting including bullet strikes to a residence.
Approximately 10 minutes following the shooting, members of the California Highway Patrol and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call of a hit and run traffic collision involving the same vehicle. The vehicle was left behind and subjects were seen fleeing the area on foot. With assistance from the CHP and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department one subject was detained; however, Zamora was not apprehended. Firearms were also recovered from the vehicle.
On Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at about 6:30 AM, Mario Zamora was taken into custody during the execution of the warrant service without incident. A search of the residence resulted in one stolen firearm, one unregistered firearm, firearm accessories, gang indicia and ammunition all being seized.
Mario Zamora was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail for Shooting at an Inhabited Dwelling, Gang Enhancement and Weapons violations.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Hesch at (805) 928 -3781 ext. 1349 or the SMPD Communications Center at (805) 928 - 3781 ext. 2277.
Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Sergeant II
Detective Bureau Supervisor
Address/Location
Santa Maria Police Department
1111 W Betteravia Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-928-3781
