Santa Maria police remind public to lock their cars after making another stolen vehicle arrest

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The Santa Maria Police Department reminded community members on Twitter to lock their cars after making another stolen vehicle arrest.

Police said officers spotted a Dodge Durango before 1:50 p.m. in the area of School and Boone Streets which they recognized from their stolen vehicle hot sheet.

When police realized the car was occupied, they conducted a high-risk stop. The SMPD Watch Commander explained they always do high-risk stops when it comes to stolen vehicles just in case the situation becomes dangerous.

Police said there were four people in total, two were inside the car and two were outside.

All four were detained, however, one, named Jacob Peter Smith, was arrested without incident and charged with vehicle theft as well as outstanding warrants.

Smith was subsequently booked in jail. The other three subjects were released on the scene.