On August 8, 2026, Santa Maria Police officers responded to the 1200 block of West Bethel Lane regarding a stolen vehicle. Officers located the vehicle shortly afterward near La Brea Avenue and Blosser Road and attempted a traffic stop. The driver briefly failed to yield and was observed throwing a bag containing a handgun from the vehicle.
The vehicle eventually stopped in the 1100 block of West Morrison Avenue, where the driver, identified as Sage Ristich, was taken into custody without incident. The victim positively identified Ristich as the person who had stolen his vehicle. Ristich was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on vehicle theft and firearm- and drug-related charges.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Maria Police Department at (805) 928-3781.
Prepared by: Lt. Shalhoob
SMPD26-0010627
