Santa Maria man arrested on weapons and drug warrant | Crimes and Courts

Hours later, officers located the suspect vehicle, driven by 18-year-old Thomas Barraza of Santa Maria. Barraza was reportedly arrested, questioned and released.

Detectives took over the investigation. Barraza's vehicle and cell phone were later searched and a search warrant was issued. More than 16 grams of suspected cocaine, an unserialized semi-automatic pistol and other evidence pointing to drug trafficking and gun possession were seized.

Investigators subsequently obtained an arrest warrant for Barraza for possession of drugs while armed, possession of a loaded/unregistered firearm, and possession of narcotics for sale. Additional search warrants were also obtained.

On Thursday, around 5:30 p.m., SMPD investigators executed an arrest warrant that led to Barraza's arrest in the 1300 block of South Miller Street in Santa Maria.

Additionally, two search warrants were executed for residences associated with Barraza in the 300 block of S. East in Santa Maria and the 4000 block of S. Blosser in Orcutt.

Based on the warrant, Barraza was taken to the Santa Barbara County Jail and is being held on $50,000 bail.

The case will be forwarded to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office for filing.