Arrest Made 
On Sunday, 12-28-2025, at approximately 1919 hours, officers responded to the 400 block of West McElhaney regarding an assault with a firearm. A 48-year-old Santa Maria resident, Joel Blanchard, was identified as the suspect and fled prior to officers’ arrival.
On Monday, 12-29-2025, at approximately 1730 hours, officers located Blanchard driving in the area of Williams and Elm. A traffic stop was conducted, and Blanchard was taken into custody. A search of his vehicle revealed multiple firearms, including an AR-15-style rifle and high-capacity magazines.
A subsequent search warrant was served at Blanchard’s residence, where additional firearms, ammunition, high-capacity magazines, and body armor were located. Blanchard was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on multiple weapons-related charges.
Address/Location
Santa Maria Police Department
1111 W Betteravia Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-928-3781
