Full Notification

On July 3, 2025, SMPD detectives—working as part of an ongoing operation targeting illegal fireworks sales—identified Alexis Uriel Flores Sanchez as a suspect attempting to sell large quantities of fireworks. During the investigation, the detective arranged to meet with a subject later identified as Alexis Uriel Flores Sanchez, a 27-year-old Santa Maria resident.

A short time later, officers observed Flores driving eastbound on Enos Drive in a vehicle and conducted a traffic stop without incident.
Upon contact, in plain view, officers observed several large boxes of suspected illegal fireworks. Flores was found to be armed with a loaded firearm tucked into his front waistband. The firearm was safely recovered and determined to be registered to Flores.

Flores was arrested and booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail. He was charged with felony possession of illegal fireworks (over 100 lbs) and felony firearm violations. The Santa Maria Fire Department arson unit confirmed the fireworks were illegal and assisted in the investigation.

This case remains under investigation.