An investigation spanning nearly two months has led to the arrest of a Santa Maria man on suspicion of attempted murder and other charges related to an alleged domestic violence incident.

On April 19, officers with the Santa Maria Police Department responded to a report of a male subject allegedly forcibly dragging a female into a vehicle, Lt. Andy Magallon said.

However, officers were unable to locate any of the involved parties and began canvassing the area for possible witnesses, Magallon added.

Through their initial response and investigation, officers located an adult female victim at a separate location. 

Magallon said police learned the victim had been struck and run over by a vehicle, resulting in life-threatening injuries.

“Through continued investigative efforts and collaboration with partner law enforcement agencies, sufficient evidence was developed to identify and arrest Manuel Mendez for attempted murder and related domestic violence charges,” Magallon said.

On Thursday, police located Mendez and took him into custody without incident. 

He was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder, assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury, domestic violence, criminal threats, stalking, kidnapping, and hit-and-run resulting in injury. 

Mendez’s bail was set at $1 million, and he remained in custody Thursday afternoon.

Anyone with additional information related to the case can call Santa Maria Police Department Detective Nathaniel Craven at 805.928.3781 x1610.