Road rage incident leads to 5-hour standoff and arrest in Santa Maria | Crime and Courts

The incident occurred when Santa Maria Police Department officers were assisting the California Highway Patrol in investigating a reported incident of road rage.

Officers encountered suspect Chavez in the 200 block of East Orchard, who refused to comply with commands and used his vehicle in a threatening manner, driving toward officers and other bystanders. The CHP requested assistance from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, who also responded.

While numerous officers attempted to persuade Chavez to surrender, he armed himself with a metal object and began smashing the windows of an unoccupied CHP vehicle, causing over $2,000 in damage.

The SMPD armored rescue vehicle was used to disable Chavez's vehicle and prevent him from ramming or striking any patrol cars, as well as to ensure the safety of the officers and the suspect.

Officers attempted to speak with Chavez to de-escalate the situation, but he remained unresponsive and resisted, SMPD reported. In another attempt to bring about a resolution, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Crisis Negotiation Team responded and attempted to negotiate with Chavez.

According to SMPD, Chavez became unresponsive and repeatedly rammed his vehicle into the ARV. The Santa Maria Police Department's Special Weapons and Tactics Team responded.

Eventually, Chavez exited his vehicle and threatened officers with a long blunt metal object he was holding. Chavez was shot with sponge bullets in an attempt to get him to drop the weapon and comply.

According to police, Chavez continued to approach officers in a threatening manner, prompting a police dog to be deployed. The suspect fought back against the dog, but officers were able to safely approach and arrest him. None of the officers were injured, and Chavez suffered only minor injuries, the department said.