Full Notification

Case #SMPD24-0013386
On October 1, 2024, at approximately 12:09 AM, officers responded to reports of a structure fire in the 1900 block of S. Broadway. Upon arrival, officers discovered a vacant commercial building engulfed in flames and quickly secured the area to allow Santa Maria Fire personnel to extinguish the fire safely.

During the investigation, officers, alongside a Santa Maria Fire Department Arson Investigator, discovered a second fire that had ignited around the same time but extinguished itself behind an occupied convenience store just south of the initial fire.

Later that morning, at approximately 2:35 AM, officers received reports of vandalism at a commercial property in the 1600 block of S. Broadway, where a large storefront window had been shattered. Through video surveillance footage, officers identified the vandalism suspect as 33-year-old Martin Rodriguez, a resident of Santa Maria. Rodriguez was located shortly after, loitering near the scene of the earlier fire, and was arrested for vandalism. Earlier that morning, officers had encountered Rodriguez at the structure fire scene, where he was seen recording the actions of first responders.

Martin Rodriguez was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on felony vandalism charges.

SMPD Detectives, with support from a Santa Maria Fire Department Arson Investigator, took over the investigation. A comprehensive witness and video canvassing, along with a thorough crime scene investigation, led to probable cause to arrest Rodriguez for both the arson that damaged the vacant commercial building and the arson at the nearby convenience store.

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Detectives subsequently booked Rodriguez, who remained in custody for vandalism, on additional arson charges.

Anyone with information related to these cases or other vandalism or arson investigations is encouraged to contact Detective Servin at (805) 928–3781, ext. 1367. The SMPD's anonymous tip line is also available 24/7 at (805) 928–3781, ext. 2677 (COPS).

Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Lieutenant
Detective Bureau Supervisor
(805) 928 - 3781 ext. 1307