Full Notification

On Thursday March 3rd, during the early morning hours, the Santa Maria Police Department led a coordinated multi-agency effort serving search and arrest warrants in the City and other areas both in, and outside the State of CA. This investigation, named "Operation Matador", was initiated in response to the recent increase in shootings experienced in the City. This is an active and on-going investigation that has resulted in at least a dozen arrests and the detention of approximately 40 other individuals.

The Santa Maria Police Department would like to invite the media to a press conference at 3pm at 1111 W. Betteravia Road. This event will be restricted to media personnel only. No additional information will be released prior to the press conference.