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Deputies arrest man brandishing a machete in Santa Maria

September 10, 2025

By KAREN VELIE

Santa Barbara County Sheriff deputies arrested a man brandishing a machete following a five-hour standoff in Santa Maria on Tuesday, the suspect’s second arrest in less than three months.

Shortly after 10 a.m., deputies responded to the 400-block of Ray Road for reports of a man brandishing and threatening a victim with a machete. When deputies arrived, the suspect, 48-year-old Nazario Gonzalez Abrego of Santa Maria, retreated into a residence and refused to come out.

As a precaution, deputies evacuated nearby residents.

For several hours, deputies worked to negotiate a peaceful resolution; however, the suspect refused to comply.

Shortly after 3 p.m., deputies deployed chemical agents and then arrested the suspect. Gonzalez Abrego was booked at the Northern Branch Jail on unlisted charges, with his bail set at $80,000.

On June 22, officers arrested Gonzalez Abrego for assault with a deadly weapon and intoxicated in public.

 


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Another example of why we need mandatory machete control laws, statewide.


2

Glad to see it wasn’t one of those Scandinavian machete wielding maniacs yet again.


3

Standard third world behavior.


3

Of course they did. That city earned its urban slang name of Stabba Maria, a long time ago.


1

2nd arrest in 3 months… this is the problem… stop letting them off with a pat on the back… keep them in jail until they can function civilly in a civil society…


11

Insane that he was released, but leftist judges and DAs are insane. Where is ice??


6