– By F. Scott Faulkner
SANTA MARIA, CA — Gregorio Morales, 22, of Santa Maria was taken into custody February 12 after reportedly, running
from police.
According to the Santa Maria Police Department Morales tossed a loaded revolver into a
backyard during a hot foot pursuit through the community.
According to SMPD spokesman Officer Mario Martinez, the incident began around 7:20 p.m.
February 13, when detectives with the Gang Suppression Team were patrolling the Pine Street
area within the city limit.
Detectives spotted “three people walking nearby and
moved in to make contact, whereupon “one of the men immediately broke away and fled on foot,
prompting a chase.”
The fleeing suspect repeatedly reached toward his waistband as he ran. Officers followed him
into an apartment complex, where they saw him throw “an object” over a fence before he was
quickly detained without further incident.
Detectives later recovered a Smith and Wesson .38 Special revolver from the backyard. “The
firearm contained three spent shell casings and two live rounds.”
Once in custody, it was determined that Morales is a convicted felon on active parole and is also
documented as a gang member.
Morales was transported to the Santa Barbara County North Branch Jail where he was charged
with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person,
resisting or delaying an officer, carrying a concealed firearm, and a parole violation.
He remains in custody on a no-bail hold.
Photo: Stock Image
