SANTA MARIA, CALIF. — Santa Maria Police Department officers arrested three individuals late Sunday near the evacuation zone on multiple charges, including drug possession and carrying burglary tools.
The suspects were booked for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving without a valid license, providing false identification to a peace officer, and possession of burglary tools, police reported.
Between January 7 and the morning of January 12, SMPD has arrested 39 individuals within the evacuation zones. Charges have ranged from burglary and possession of burglary tools to drug-related offenses, driving violations, outstanding warrants, and parole or probation violations.
Authorities confirmed that none of the individuals arrested are residents of the local area.
Law enforcement has increased patrols in the evacuation zones to deter criminal activity and safeguard evacuated properties.
