Santa Maria Police make arrest in robbery and theft investigation. 
On 12/12/23 Santa Maria Police Officers investigated a robbery, during which a United States Postal Service mail carrier was robbed, at knife-point, by an unknown suspect. Mail keys were taken during this crime.
Over the next several days, SMPD received multiple reports of mail and package thefts from secured mailboxes.
On 12/17/23 at 0307 hours, SMPD Officers located a suspect at Motel 6 on North Preisker. They discovered he matched the descrption of the mail-robbery suspect. Further investigation revealed the suspect was in possession of items that were reported stolen from the secured mailboxes.
Ultimately, Michael Cantero (a 39 year old resident of Santa Maria) and Christina Pichardo (a 37 year old resident of Santa Maria) were arrested for several felonies, including robbery and various theft-related violations.
This investigation is still ongoing. SMPD is requesting anyone with information contact the Detective Bureau at 805-928-371 extension 2278.
Lt. Van Meel
Address/Location
Santa Maria Police Department
1111 W Betteravia Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-928-3781