Two people arrested in Santa Ynez, one had a warrant out for him

At approximately 12:51 a.m. this morning, Dec. 17 a Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputy observed a vehicle that had an equipment violation.

A traffic enforcement stop was initiated and the vehicle was pulled over in the 900 block of Edison Street, near the Chumash Casino. As the sheriff’s deputy approached the vehicle, he observed the driver making movements toward the center console.

The front passenger, 20-year-old Roman Valdez, of Santa Maria, was found to be on parole for weapons related offenses and had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

A search of the car was conducted and 98.5 grams of methamphetamine, which has an approximate street value of $3,000, was discovered inside. Deputies also found 46.5 grams of marijuana, nearly $2,000 in cash, drug paraphernalia and a loaded .25 semi-automatic handgun, which was located in the center console.

The driver, 30-year-old Michael Aragon of Santa Maria, and Valdez were both arrested on a myriad of felony charges ranging from possession of methamphetamine for sales, transportation of methamphetamine for sales, possession of marijuana for sales and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

Both were booked at the Santa Barbara County Jail. Valdez is being held without bail while Aragon’s bail is set at $35,000.

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