Full Notification

In late April 2019 Santa Maria Police Detectives conducted a sexual assault investigation. The victim told detectives that she had an Uber driver pick her up and drive her to a confidential location in Santa Maria. After the transportation was completed, the victim said the driver took her to another location where he sexually assaulted her. Through the course of the investigation the identity of the suspect was discovered to be Shadi Aziz Abdul, a 37 year old resident of Santa Maria.

Santa Maria Police Detectives took the case to a judge and a warrant was issued for Abdul's arrest. Last week, ICE Agents located and arrested Abdul at the Mexico / US Border in San Diego. On Monday, 5/20/19, Abdul was brought from San Diego to Santa Barbara County Jail where he was booked for 261 PC - Rape.

This is an ongoing investigation. Based on the circumstances surrounding this investigation SMPD Detectives believe there may be other victims or witnesses to this or similar crimes. Anyone with information on this crime or related crimes is requested to call Detective Silver at 805-928-3781 x 1346.

Lt. Van Meel