FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at approx. 1256 hours, a School Resource Officer with the Santa Maria Police Department assigned to Santa Maria High School reported several gunshots coming from the area of Lincoln Street and Park Avenue. Patrol officers responded to investigate, and the school was placed on lockdown as a precaution.
Officers located evidence of a shooting in the 700 block of South Lincoln Street; however, no victims were found. After further investigation, the incident was believed to not be related to the school and there was determined to be no threat against the school or the students. The lockdown was subsequently lifted, and students were released without incident.
While officers were investigating the first shooting, a second incident occurred at the south parking structure of the Santa Maria Town Center Mall. Officers responded to multiple reports of shots fired and located evidence of a shooting involving two separate vehicles. No injuries were reported.
At this time, it is unknown whether the two shootings are related. Both investigations remain ongoing.
Anyone with information related to either incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Maria Police Department at 805-928-3781, extension 2277.
Prepared by:
Sgt. Robbins
