Full Notification

On Saturday, August 24, 2024, officers from the Santa Maria Police Department responded to assist the California Highway Patrol (CHP) regarding a reported road rage incident they were investigating. Officers encountered the suspect in the 200 block of East Orchard. The suspect refused to comply with orders and used his vehicle in a threatening manner, driving toward officers and other innocent bystanders. The CHP requested assistance from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, who responded as well.
 
While numerous officers were attempting to get him to surrender, the suspect armed himself with a metal object and began bashing in the windows of an unoccupied CHP vehicle, causing over $2000 in damage. The Santa Maria Police Department’s Armored Rescue Vehicle (ARV) was utilized to immobilize the suspect vehicle to prevent him from ramming and driving at patrol vehicles, as well as to provide for the safety of officers and the suspect. Officers attempted to speak with the suspect to de-escalate the situation, however he remained non-responsive and combative. In a further effort to bring about a resolution, the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) responded and attempted to negotiate with the suspect. He remained unresponsive and repeatedly rammed his vehicle into the ARV. The Santa Maria Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) responded.
 
Eventually, the suspect emerged from his vehicle and threatened officers with a long metal blunt object he was holding in his hand. The suspect was struck with sponge rounds, in an attempt to get him to drop the weapon and gain compliance. The suspect continued to advance on officers in a threatening manner, at which point a Police K9 was utilized. The suspect fought against the K9; however, this allowed for officers to safely approach and apprehend him. No officers were injured, and the suspect suffered minor injuries.
 
The suspect was identified as 34-year-old Santa Maria resident Emilio Borrayo Chavez. He was arrested and is facing charges of felony vandalism, resisting officers with violence, and assault with a deadly weapon.
 
The standoff with Chavez lasted over five hours displacing multiple residents from their homes. The Santa Maria Police Department remains committed to public safety and utilizing sound tactics and tools to resolve these types of critical incidents with safety as the utmost priority for all involved.