Santa Maria police seek public’s help locating man who shot at an officer, stole vehicle at gunpoint

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Santa Maria police are searching for a man who reportedly fired a gun at an officer during an investigation Saturday evening.

Police have identified this suspect as 27-year-old Dustin Morales. Morales is still at large; he is described as being 5-foot-6 with brown hair and green eyes.

Morales is considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, you should not approach him, but call 911 immediately. Police said he is wanted for Attempted Homicide and Carjacking.

Police were initially responding to reports of a domestic violence disturbance on the 200 block of E. Grant Street around 3:30 p.m.

Mary Brown was moving into her new home at River Ranch when she says she saw a man with a gun next to her front door.

"And I saw him pull out a gun and I yelled he’s got a gun," said Brown.

Upon arriving in the area, one of the officers spotted Morales who they recognized as someone wanted for unrelated crimes.

The officer reportedly approached Morales and attempted to detain him.

"At which time a physical struggle ensued. The suspect produced a firearm and shot at our officer. The officer is fine," said Mengel.

Fortunately, the officer did not sustain any injuries. Police said the officer did not fire his own gun during the incident.

Brown says one of her grandchildren was inside her home when the shots were fired.

"I’m just happy that the police officers weren’t hurt and no one else was hurt," said Brown.

Morales fled the scene and later allegedly stole a vehicle at gunpoint. Police are continuing to search for him in the surrounding area.

Anyone with information about Morales, his location or this incident is urged to contact the Santa Maria Police Department Detective Bureau at 805-928-3781, or call the Tip Line at 805-928-3781 x2677.