Eye on Crime: Santa Maria police looking for suspected gang member wanted for attempted murder

Santa Maria police are asking for the public’s help to find an alleged gang member wanted for attempted murder.

On July 19, police responded to calls of shots fired on the 1100 block of West Liberty Street. They found shell casings, but no witnesses were willing to speak up and no victims were on the scene.

After an extensive investigation, police issued a warrant for the arrest of Samuel Reyes Espinoza, a 19-year-old Santa Maria resident.

“At this point we have conducted various searches. We have recovered several firearms as a result of this case,” said Lt. Paul Van Meel, detective with the Santa Maria Police Department.

But they’re still looking for the suspect and police are asking for your help.

Detective Van Meel says the smallest tips often lead to an arrest.

“If people know where he is or tend to know where he hangs out, the smallest tips often lead to the best information that can result in an arrest,” said Van Meel.

He encourages anyone who knows where Espinoza is or where he hangs out to call the Santa Maria police tip line. The number is 805-928-3781, ext. 2677.

Callers can remain anonymous.