Armed Wanted Parolee Arrested Following Drone-Assisted Search 
On July 1, 2026, at approximately 3:50 p.m., Santa Maria Police Officers responded to the 1000 block of E. Chapel Street for a report of a man armed with a handgun.
When officers attempted to contact the individual, they discovered he was a wanted parolee. The suspect fled on foot while armed with a handgun, prompting officers to quickly establish a perimeter.
Patrol officers deployed the department’s drone, which successfully located the suspect. Officers safely took him into custody without incident and recovered a loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson handgun.
The suspect was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on parole and weapons-related charges.
Prepared by: Matthew Kline, Patrol Lieutenant
Santa Maria Police Department
(805) 928-3781 ext: 2277
Address/Location
Santa Maria Police Department
1111 W Betteravia Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-928-3781
