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Case #: SMPD24-0001467
On Thursday, February 1, 2024, approximately 3:15 AM, officers were sent to the report of a shooting in the 800 block of Stanford Drive. Upon arrival, officers confirmed a shooting had occurred and located a 15-year-old female juvenile suffering from a gunshot wound.
Officers learned a group of young adults and juveniles were hanging out in a nearby park before a second group of subjects arrived and a physical fight ensued between them. The group that arrived second entered a vehicle when the fight ended and started to leave the area. The first group remained on foot in the park.
As the second group was leaving the area the driver attempted to run over the initial party of people. This vehicle stopped before clearing the area and the driver fired shots at the first/opposing group. That is when the female juvenile was struck by gunfire. The victim was later treated and released for her injuries.
The Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) Detective Bureau responded to this incident and took over the investigation that has been active & ongoing. The investigation led to the driver and shooter in this case being identified as 23-year-old Santa Maria resident Leonel Narciso Sanchez.
On February 7, 2024, Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Sanchez that was subsequently entered into law enforcement databases.
On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, investigators developed information on Sanchez’ possible whereabouts. At about 10:30 AM, SMPD Detectives, with assistance from the Patrol Division, conducted an operation that led to a traffic stop and the arrest of Sanchez for the related arrest warrant. A subsequent search warrant was served at Sanchez’ residence in the 1700 block S. Biscayne that yielded evidence believed to be connected to the shooting.
Sanchez was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on his warrant for shooting from a vehicle, assault with a deadly weapon (vehicle) and assault with a deadly weapon (firearm). Sanchez is being held on $250,000 dollars bail. This case will be forwarded to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office for filing.
Anyone with information related to this case should contact Detective Peinado at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 1357 or the Detective Yee at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 1371.
