Two young adults, ages 18 and 19, were arrested this weekend in separate incidents after being found with firearms during patrols aimed at quelling Santa Maria gang activity.

At approximately 11:40 p.m. Friday, Santa Maria Police Department Gang Suppression Team detectives were conducting proactive patrols in the 600 block of West Lemon Street due to recent gang activity in the area, police Lt. Jason Zickuhr said.

Detectives observed a group of males drinking alcohol in an alley. When they noticed police, several individuals ran from the area. 

Police officers pursued and contacted multiple subjects during the investigation.

Luis Alejandro Garcia-Martinez, 18, was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, and resisting, delaying or obstructing a peace officer.

At 5:09 p.m. Saturday, gang suppression detectives conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Miller Street and Central Avenue.

After developing probable cause to search the vehicle, detectives located a Glock 17 handgun concealed between the driver’s seat and center console. 

The firearm was unregistered and had a loaded 31-round extended magazine containing 9mm ammunition, police said. 

The driver, 19-year-old Malachi Roslinda-Jordan, allegedly admitted the firearm belonged to him. 

He was arrested and booked into jail. The passenger was released at the scene.

“The Santa Maria Police Department remains committed to keeping our community safe through proactive enforcement, focused patrols, and continued efforts to address gang-related activity and violent crime,” Zickuhr said. 

Garcia-Martinez and Roslinda-Jordan were booked into the Santa Barbara County Northern Branch Jail and remained in custody Sunday night.