Suspect shoots victim during attempted robbery in Santa Maria

September 19, 2026

Irwin Lara

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

A would-be robber shot a victim in the leg in Santa Maria Friday night, after which police caught one of two suspects they were seeking.

Shortly after 9:30 p.m., officers responded to the alley in the 300 block of North Oakley Street over a reported shooting. Investigators determined two Hispanic male suspects approached a victim and tried to rob him.

During the attempted robbery, one of the suspects shot the victim in the leg with an AR-15-style rifle, according to the Santa Maria Police Department.

Responders transported the victim to a local hospital. The victim is expected to survive.

After the shooting, the suspects fled the area in a vehicle. Police used license plate reader technology to identify and locate the car.

Officers then located one of the suspects, 32-year-old Irwin Lara, at his residence. Police established a perimeter around the home and eventually took Lara into custody.

Authorities booked Lara in Santa Barbara County Jail on charges of accessory, robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.

The second suspect remains outstanding, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Investigators ask that anyone who has information about the incident or the identity of the outstanding suspect contact the Santa Maria Police Detective Bureau.