AnonymousSource: Lompoc Police Department
Press Release Date :08/02/2022 4:15 AM
Location :1000 E Ocean Ave
Crime/Offense :
- 664/187 PC- Attempt Murder
- 245(a)(1) PC- Assault w/ Deadly Weapon
- 451(b) PC- Arson of Inhabited Dwelling
- 594(b)(1) PC- Felony Vandalism
- 69 PC- Felony Resisting
- 422 PC- Criminal Threats
- 148(a)(1) PC- Resisting Arrest
Felony Warrant $20,000 Bail
Misdemeanor Warrant $2,500 BailSuspect(s) :William Morales 35-year-old, White male Lompoc resident
On 8/2/22 at approximately 1243 hours, LPD Officers were dispatched to Mental Health, located in the 1000 block of East Ocean Avenue, regarding a subject attempting to assault staff. While in route, Dispatch advised the subject was trying to set the building on fire. Officers responded with lights and sirens and located William Morales in the 100 Block of North Third Street holding a large piece of wood and threw it at officers when they got out of their patrol cars. The stick hit no one, but it did hit a patrol vehicle.
Morales was ordered to get on the ground, and he refused, then threw another piece of wood at the officers. Morales then retreated into the building and slammed the door shut. Officers heard people yelling that people were inside and the building was on fire. Officers forced entry into the building, ordered Morales to the ground, took him into custody, and Morales became combative.
Due to his behavior, Morales was taken to the emergency room for medical clearance. The building was evacuated as the flames were growing in the building. Officers knocked down these flames with their extinguishers. Lompoc Fire responded and finished extinguishing the fire. Staff was interviewed at the scene, and officers learned some victims had barricaded themselves to get away from Morales’ violent behavior. Morales then set the room on fire where the victims were located.
The damage from the arson is estimated to be over $10,000. At the Lompoc ER, Morales kicked an officer in the head as he continued to be combative. Morales was medically cleared and transported to Santa Barbara County Jail, where he was booked on the listed charges
