Following a nearly two-month-long investigation, Santa Maria Police Department detectives have arrested 22-year-old Santa Maria resident Manuel Mendez in connection with an attempted murder stemming from a domestic violence incident that occurred in April.
On April 19, 2026, Santa Maria police officers responded to a report of a male suspect forcibly dragging a female into a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers were unable to locate any of the involved parties and began canvassing the area for witnesses. Through their initial response and investigation, officers located an adult female victim at a separate location. The victim had been struck and run over by a vehicle, resulting in life-threatening injuries.
Detectives immediately launched an extensive investigation into the incident. Through continued investigative efforts and collaboration with partner law enforcement agencies, sufficient evidence was developed to identify and arrest Manuel Mendez for attempted murder and related domestic violence charges.
On Thursday, June 18, 2026, Mendez was located and taken into custody without incident. He was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on the following charges:
- PC 664/187 – Attempted Murder
- PC 245(a)(4) – Assault by Means of Force Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury
- PC 273.5 – Domestic Violence
- PC 422 – Criminal Threats
- PC 646.9 – Stalking
- PC 207 – Kidnapping
- VC 20001(a)(2) – Hit and Run Resulting in Injury
Mendez's bail was set at $1,000,000.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact Santa Maria Police Department Detective Craven at (805) 928-3781, ext. 1610.
Prepared by: Lieutenant Andy Magallon
