On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, just after midnight, Santa Maria Police arrested a man for vandalism and possession of a loaded firearm after being alerted by a citizen.
An officer patrolling the commercial area near Shepard Drive and Hancock Avenue was flagged down by a community member reporting suspicious individuals loitering near vehicles in a commercial business area. Upon arriving, the officer contacted one subject near a local car dealership.
The individual, identified as 29-year-old Michael Fairgood of Santa Maria, was detained as the investigation unfolded. Officers discovered tools used to siphon gasoline, and a nearby vehicle showed damage consistent with an attempted fuel theft. A search of Fairgood revealed he was carrying a loaded firearm with its serial numbers removed…