Full Notification

 After a nine month investigation, Sheriff’s deputies arrested a suspect wanted in connection with a stabbing that occurred on April 26, 2014 in 1800 block of Ironwood Drive located in the unincorporated area of Santa Maria.  The victim was discovered bleeding in the street from multiple stab wounds. He was airlifted to Cottage Hospital in serious condition.  Through the course of their investigation, Sheriff’s detectives determined the stabbing was related to criminal street gang activity and they identified 22-year-old Coleton Fout of Santa Maria as the suspect.

Yesterday morning, January 14, 2015, Sheriff’s deputies responded to Fout’s residence in the 1800 block of Ironwood Drive to serve an arrest and search warrant. When deputies arrived, Fout was located outside of his residence and fled when he saw law enforcement.  Sheriff’s deputies assisted by a Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit and a K-9 Unit responded and searched the area for Fout.  About ten minutes later, he was located by a resident in the 1800 block of Teakwood Drive, just a block away, hiding in the garage.  Sheriff’s deputies arrested Fout for attempted murder and for possession of methamphetamine. Fout also had two probation warrants out for his arrest.

At Fout’s residence, Sheriff’s deputies located his girlfriend, 22-year-old Suzanne Tobin of Santa Maria and arrested her for being under the influence of methamphetamine.  Sheriff’s deputies also located the suspect’s younger brother, 18-year-old Austyn Fout and his girlfriend 27-year-old Denise Valdovinos, also of Santa Maria.  Valdovinos, who had four no bail warrants out for her arrest, was located hiding in a shed on the property.  For his attempt to hide Valdovinos from authorities, Austyn Fout, was arrested for harboring a fugitive.

The investigation into the stabbing that occurred last April is ongoing.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Anonymous Tip Line at 805-681-4171.