Officers with the Santa Maria Police Department were investigating a shooting on Friday that injured a woman in a northeast neighborhood, and led to a lengthy standoff as they sought the suspected gunman.
A SWAT team and equipment joined with patrol officers to stage in front of homes and an alley behind houses on the 500 block of East El Camino Street.
The incident began shortly after 9 a.m., and stretched for several hours into the afternoon.
After 3 p.m., officers began shouting messages about having a warrant for the man’s arrest, and ordering everyone inside the home to exit with their hands raised.
“After no response, entry was made by team members; however, the suspect was not located inside,” Sgt. Todd Logan said Friday night.
Detectives identified Severiano Leon Flores, 36, of Santa Maria, as a “person of interest” in the shooting.
Flores is wanted on outstanding warrants and is considered potentially armed, and members of the public should not approach him, police said.
Anyone who sees Flores or knows of his whereabouts is urged to contact the Santa Maria Police Department or another law enforcement agency immediately.
The woman injured in the shooting reportedly was taken to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Police described her injuries as non-life-threatening.
Her name and details on her condition were not immediately available.
“The case remains under active investigation by the Santa Maria Police Department Detective Bureau,” Logan said.
During the incident, police asked people to avoid traveling in the area due to street closures.
In addition to El Camino, nearby segments of other streets were closed, including School Street.
People of all ages, some carrying cell phones and beverages, remained outside the cordoned off area to watch the police activity.
