Santa Maria, Calif. –  Sheriff’s deputies have safely taken a suspect into custody following a five-hour standoff in Santa Maria.

On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at approximately 10:15 a.m., deputies responded to the 400-block of Ray Road after receiving reports of a man brandishing and threatening a victim with a machete. When deputies arrived, the suspect, 48-year-old Nazario Gonzalez of Santa Maria, retreated into a residence and refused to come out.

Deputies quickly evacuated nearby residents as a precaution and confirmed that Gonzalez was the sole occupant of the home. Specialized resources, including the Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiation Team, Special Enforcement Team, K9 Unit, and County Air Support, responded to assist. Santa Maria Police, Lompoc Police and California Highway Patrol also responded to assist.

For several hours, deputies worked to negotiate a peaceful resolution; however, the suspect refused to comply. At approximately 3:20 p.m., deputies deployed chemical agents and took the suspect into custody. Gonzalez will be booked at the Northern Branch Jail, with charges and bail to be determined.