Santa Maria man arrested on weapons and drug warrant | Crime and courts

Officers located the suspect vehicle a few hours later, driven by 18-year-old Santa Maria resident Thomas Barraza. Barraza was reportedly arrested, questioned and released.

Detectives took over the investigation and Barraza's vehicle and cell phone were subsequently searched and a search warrant was issued. More than 16 grams of suspected cocaine, an unnumbered semi-automatic handgun and other evidence indicating drug sales and firearm possession were recovered.

Detectives then obtained an arrest warrant for Barraza for possession of drugs while armed, possession of a loaded/unregistered firearm and possession of narcotics for sale. Additional search warrants were also obtained.

On Thursday around 5:30 p.m., SMPD detectives conducted a warrant service that led to Barraza's arrest in the 1300 block of S. Miller Street in Santa Maria.

Two search warrants were also served at residences associated with Barraza in the 300 block of S. East in Santa Maria and the 4000 block of S. Blosser in Orcutt.

Barraza was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on the warrant and is being held on $50,000 bail.

The case will be forwarded to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office for dismissal.