SantaMariaPoliceBy 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.
Ghost guns are proliferating, manufactured by gangs, sold on the street. Nothing in terms of background checks can check this. Pass another 1000 laws, won’t matter. LE needs to focus on this issue.
…and this guy was released on Parole. What a “criminal justice system” we have. I wonder if the D.A. will prosecute this time or just call it Even-Steven ’cause he was shot!
How did this guy pass a background check?
I have to assume that you’re being sarcastic… Right?