Saturday Standoff Shakes Santa Maria Neighborhood; Trespasser Jailed After Resisting Police

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Santa Maria police arrested a local resident after he allegedly threatened a person with a knife and unlawfully entered a vacant property.

Officers responded to the incident in the 400 block of N. Oakley at about 3:12 p.m. Saturday, according to the Santa Maria Police Department.

Police located 40-year-old Mario Lopez inside the vacant structure, where he refused repeated commands to surrender. 

Authorities said Lopez displayed threatening behavior toward officers at the scene. 

Officers say the suspect pointed both a metal pipe and a firearm-like object in their direction.

Officers employed multiple de-escalation techniques, including verbal warnings and opportunities to surrender. 

When Lopez continued to resist, police deployed a distraction device, 40mm less-lethal munitions and a police K-9 to apprehend him.

Lopez sustained minor injuries during the response and was transported to Marian Regional Medical Center for medical evaluation and treatment. 

Following his medical evaluation, he was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on charges of resisting arrest, brandishing a weapon, trespassing and a probation violation.

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