On August 29, 2026, at approximately 10:13 p.m., Santa Maria Police Department officers responded to the 600 block of North Broadway regarding a vehicle fire in a parking lot.
The Santa Maria Fire Department extinguished the fire, and SMPD officers assisted fire personnel with the subsequent arson investigation. During the investigation, officers developed information identifying a suspect and issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) to patrol personnel.
At approximately 11:23 p.m., SMPD officers located the suspect and took him into custody without further incident.
The suspect, identified as 63-year-old Evelio Torres, was arrested and booked for California Penal Code section 451(d), arson of property.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Prepared by Lt. Zickuhr
