Advisory
Shooting Investigation Update
Shooting Investigation Update 
Case: SMPD24-0012761
On September 18, 2024, at approximately 8:30 PM, officers from the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) responded to a report of a shooting in an alley behind a business in the 1900 block of South Broadway. Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was airlifted to a medical facility in the Los Angeles area, and he continues to recover from his injuries. The suspect fled the scene and was not immediately apprehended.
The SMPD Detective Bureau’s Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation, which has remained active and ongoing. Following a comprehensive investigation, the suspect was identified as 21-year-old Alex Brandon Lopez-Ramirez, a documented member of a local criminal street gang.
On Thursday, October 24, 2024, at approximately 8:00 AM, SMPD Detectives, with support from the SMPD Traffic Bureau and Community Services Unit, conducted a warrant service operation in the 300 block of West Newlove Drive. Lopez-Ramirez was taken into custody without incident. During the search, officers recovered three firearms, ammunition, firearm components, and gang-related items. One of the firearms, a handgun, was confirmed to be stolen. Another handgun and an assault rifle were found to be unregistered and lacked serial numbers.
Lopez-Ramirez was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on multiple charges, including:
On September 18, 2024, at approximately 8:30 PM, officers from the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) responded to a report of a shooting in an alley behind a business in the 1900 block of South Broadway. Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was airlifted to a medical facility in the Los Angeles area, and he continues to recover from his injuries. The suspect fled the scene and was not immediately apprehended.
The SMPD Detective Bureau’s Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation, which has remained active and ongoing. Following a comprehensive investigation, the suspect was identified as 21-year-old Alex Brandon Lopez-Ramirez, a documented member of a local criminal street gang.
On Thursday, October 24, 2024, at approximately 8:00 AM, SMPD Detectives, with support from the SMPD Traffic Bureau and Community Services Unit, conducted a warrant service operation in the 300 block of West Newlove Drive. Lopez-Ramirez was taken into custody without incident. During the search, officers recovered three firearms, ammunition, firearm components, and gang-related items. One of the firearms, a handgun, was confirmed to be stolen. Another handgun and an assault rifle were found to be unregistered and lacked serial numbers.
Lopez-Ramirez was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on multiple charges, including:
- Assault with a deadly weapon (firearm)
- Possession of an illegal assault weapon
- Possession of stolen property
- Being a criminal street gang member in possession of a loaded firearm
Lopez-Ramirez is being held on $250,000 bail. The case will be forwarded to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Whitney at (805) 928-3781, ext. 1329.
Prepared by:
Lieutenant Daniel Rios
Detective Bureau Supervisor
(805) 928-3781, extension 1307
Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Whitney at (805) 928-3781, ext. 1329.
Prepared by:
Lieutenant Daniel Rios
Detective Bureau Supervisor
(805) 928-3781, extension 1307
Address/Location
Santa Maria Police Department
1111 W Betteravia Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-928-3781
