Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested by SMPD 
On March 2, 2026, at approximately 11:58 am, Officers were flagged down near Chick-fil-A, located at 605 E Betteravia, regarding an employee who had been assaulted.
The initial investigation revealed that a female employee who was outside the business was struck in the back of the head with a large brick by an adult male, later identified as 31-year-old Clayton Peavey, a Santa Maria resident. The assault knocked the victim to the ground, and the suspect fled the area.
The victim was transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.
A short time later, officers located Peavey in nearby agricultural fields. He was taken into custody without incident and was later booked into the County Jail for attempted murder.
Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact the Santa Maria Police Department at (805) 928-3871 ext 2177.
Authored By: Todd Logan, Lieutenant
Santa Maria Police Department
1111 W. Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria, Ca. 93455
(805) 928-3781 ext 2177
Address/Location
Santa Maria Police Department
1111 W Betteravia Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-928-3781