Gunshot Victim Arrested for Weapons and Drug Charges

By the Santa Maria Police Department

On Monday, May 1, 2023, at about 1:00 am, officers with the Santa Maria Police Department were sent to the 300 block of E. Monroe regarding a fight call.

Officers arrived on scene and located 53-year-old Jose Arturo Meza lying on the ground suffering from a recent and severe gunshot wound. A loaded firearm was found at the scene and officers believe a shooting occurred just prior to their arrival.

Meza was subsequently transported to the Marian Regional Medical Center where he was treated, admitted, and is expected to recover from his injuries.

SMPD Detectives took over and continued the investigation. Ultimately, Meza was found to be in possession of a loaded, unregistered, and non-serialized semi-automatic pistol. First responders located about 11 grams of suspected methamphetamine and approximately 6 grams of suspected cocaine in Meza’s possession. The vehicle Meza was driving near the time of the shooting was also confirmed to be stolen out of the San Diego, CA area.

On Monday, May 8, 2023, at about 1:00 pm, Meza was released from the hospital and taken into custody by Detectives related to this investigation. Meza was booked on the charges of Possession of Drugs While Armed with a Loaded Firearm; Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Felon in Possession of Ammunition; Possession of a Stolen Vehicle: and a Parole Violation. This case will be forwarded to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office for filing.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Cole Whitney at (805) 928 - 3781 ext. 1329 or the SMPD Communications Center at (805) 928 - 3781 ext. 2277.