Advisory
Barricaded Armed Suspect Safely Taken into Custody Following Standoff
Barricaded Armed Suspect Safely Taken into Custody Following Standoff 
Case #: SMPD25-0000741
On Sunday, January 19, 2025, at approximately 3:33 PM, Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) officers responded to reports of a man behaving erratically and armed with a knife in the 1000 block of W. Boone Street. Upon arrival, officers identified the individual as 45-year-old Santa Maria resident Michael Achterberg, who had reportedly been causing disturbances in the apartment complex over the past two days. On the day of the incident, Achterberg allegedly attempted to assault a resident with a large knife in the complex’s parking lot.
Officers attempted to make contact with Achterberg at his nearby apartment; however, he was uncooperative, refused to comply with police commands, and barricaded himself inside. Achterberg continued to exhibit erratic behavior, including making threats toward officers while still in possession of a large knife.
The area was contained, and nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution. SMPD’s Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) was activated and engaged in extensive negotiations with Achterberg in an effort to resolve the situation peacefully. Despite their efforts, Achterberg remained uncooperative and refused to surrender.
As the situation escalated, SMPD’s Detective Bureau and SWAT Team were called to provide additional support. Detectives obtained a search and arrest warrant for Achterberg and his residence. Employing de-escalation techniques and deploying multiple less-lethal measures—including chemical agents—the team worked to bring the situation to a safe resolution.
At approximately 9:15 PM, after prolonged negotiations, Achterberg exited his residence and surrendered without further incident. Achterberg was taken into custody by SWAT officers and transported to the Santa Barbara County Jail. He is facing charges related to assault with a deadly weapon, in addition to an unrelated misdemeanor bench warrant.
The Santa Maria Police Department would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation as officers worked to resolve this potentially dangerous situation safely and peacefully.
Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Lieutenant
Detective Bureau Supervisor
(805) 928 – 3781 ext. 1307
On Sunday, January 19, 2025, at approximately 3:33 PM, Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) officers responded to reports of a man behaving erratically and armed with a knife in the 1000 block of W. Boone Street. Upon arrival, officers identified the individual as 45-year-old Santa Maria resident Michael Achterberg, who had reportedly been causing disturbances in the apartment complex over the past two days. On the day of the incident, Achterberg allegedly attempted to assault a resident with a large knife in the complex’s parking lot.
Officers attempted to make contact with Achterberg at his nearby apartment; however, he was uncooperative, refused to comply with police commands, and barricaded himself inside. Achterberg continued to exhibit erratic behavior, including making threats toward officers while still in possession of a large knife.
The area was contained, and nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution. SMPD’s Crisis Negotiations Team (CNT) was activated and engaged in extensive negotiations with Achterberg in an effort to resolve the situation peacefully. Despite their efforts, Achterberg remained uncooperative and refused to surrender.
As the situation escalated, SMPD’s Detective Bureau and SWAT Team were called to provide additional support. Detectives obtained a search and arrest warrant for Achterberg and his residence. Employing de-escalation techniques and deploying multiple less-lethal measures—including chemical agents—the team worked to bring the situation to a safe resolution.
At approximately 9:15 PM, after prolonged negotiations, Achterberg exited his residence and surrendered without further incident. Achterberg was taken into custody by SWAT officers and transported to the Santa Barbara County Jail. He is facing charges related to assault with a deadly weapon, in addition to an unrelated misdemeanor bench warrant.
The Santa Maria Police Department would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation as officers worked to resolve this potentially dangerous situation safely and peacefully.
Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Lieutenant
Detective Bureau Supervisor
(805) 928 – 3781 ext. 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