21-year-old suspect arrested in connection with the shooting that injured 1 person in Santa Maria

A 21-year-old man suspected of involvement in last month’s shooting in Santa Maria was arrested Thursday, according to authorities.

Police said they responded to the incident on the evening of September 18 in the 1900 block of South Broadway. An adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound was reportedly located at the scene and airlifted to a medical facility in the Los Angeles area. Authorities say he is still recovering from his injuries.

Authorities reported that the suspect fled the scene before being caught.

The Santa Maria Police Department Detective Bureau’s Violent Crimes unit conducted an investigation where the suspect was identified as 21-year-old Alex Brandon Lopez-Ramirez, who police say is a documented member of a local street gang.

According to authorities, at 8 a.m. Thursday, multiple law enforcement agencies conducted a search warrant operation in the 300 block of West Newlove Drive. Lopez-Ramirez was reportedly taken into custody without incident.

During the search, officers seized a stolen firearm, two unregistered and unserialized firearms, ammunition, firearm components and gang-related items, SMPD said.

According to authorities, Lopez-Ramirez was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful possession of an assault weapon, possession of stolen property and being a criminal street gang member. firearm. He is being held on $250,000 bail, police added.

Officials said the case will be forwarded to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged by police to contact Detective Whitney at (805) 928-3781, ext. 1329.