Santa Maria Man Arrested for Weapons and Drug Charges

Case #: SMPD24-0002882
On February 26, 2024, SMPD Officers responded to the report of vandalism in progress in the 1800 block of S. Thornburg Street. The investigation revealed that security guards interrupted a gang graffiti crime in progress before the suspects brandished a firearm and fled the scene in a vehicle. Officers located the suspect vehicle hours later that was being driven by 18-year-old Santa Maria resident Thomas Barraza. Barraza was detained, questioned, and released.

Detectives took over the investigation and Barraza’s vehicle and cell phone were later searched pursuant to a search warrant being issued. More than 16 grams of suspected cocaine, a non-serialized semi-automatic handgun, and other evidence indicative of drug sales & firearm possession were recovered.

Detectives followed up with obtaining an arrest warrant for Barraza for possession of drugs while being armed, possession of a loaded/unregistered firearm, and possession of narcotics for sale. Additonal search warrants were also obtained.

On Thursday, May 23, 2024, at about 5:30 PM, SMPD Detectives conducted a warrant service operation that led to Barraza being arrested in the 1300 block S. Miller in Santa Maria. Two search warrants were also served at residences associated with Barraza in the 300 block S. East in Santa Maria and the 4000 block S. Blosser in Orcutt.

Barraza was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on his warrant and is being held on $50,000 dollars bail. This case will be forwarded to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office for filing.

Anyone with information related to this investigation should contact Detective Josh Yee at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 1371.