– By F. Scott Faulkner
SANTA MARIA, CA — January 3, 2026 – Santa Barbara County, CA
Santa Maria police recently arrested a local man and seized a cache of firearms and protective gear after
an alleged assault.
The incident. involving a weapon, began shortly after 7 p.m. on December 28, when officers were dispatched to
investigate a reported “assault with a firearm.”
By the time police arrived, the suspect had already fled the area.
Investigators later identified the suspect as Joel Blanchard, 48, of Santa Maria.
Police spent the next day working to locate Blanchard and spotted Blanchard the following day
as he drove through downtown Santa Maria, whereupon a traffic stop was conducted. Blanchard
was “taken into custody without incident” at the scene.
A search of Blanchard’s vehicle uncovered “multiple firearms, including an AR-15-style rifle,
along with high-capacity magazines.” Investigators then obtained consent to search his
residence, where they found additional firearms, large quantities of ammunition, more high-
capacity magazines and body armor.”
“The volume and variety of weapons” was inventoried by deputies as Blanchard was transported
to Santa Barbara County Jail.
He was booked on multiple charges, including, carry a conceal weapon, possession of assault weapon, tear gas and metal piercing ammo.
His bail is set at at $50,000.
Photo: Stock Image
