SMPD Arrests Two for Robbery and Conspiracy 
On February 6, 2026, at approximately 9:27 p.m., Santa Maria Police officers responded to a reported robbery in the 1000 block of East Donovan Road. Initial information indicated multiple suspects assaulted a male victim and stole a cell phone before fleeing the area in a gray sedan.
Officers learned the victims had stopped at the location due to a disabled vehicle when they were approached by three to four suspects. The suspects opened the driver’s door and physically assaulted the male victim while the female victim attempted to intervene and was also struck. During the incident, the suspects took the female victim’s iPhone and fled.
Surveillance video from the business was obtained and shared with responding units. Officers later located a gray sedan and multiple subjects matching the suspects’ descriptions at a nearby mall parking structure. Several individuals were detained.
Further investigation, including witness statements, video review, and in-field identification, led to the arrest of two suspects for robbery and conspiracy.
Ivan Lopez Montes, 22, and Diego Jose Jaimes Vargas, 23, were arrested for violations of Penal Code 211 (Robbery) and Penal Code 182(a)(1) (Conspiracy). The investigation remains ongoing.
SMPD26-0001987
Address/Location
Santa Maria Police Department
1111 W Betteravia Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-928-3781
