Lompoc, Calif. – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in the Cabrillo High School vandalism investigation that began on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. At approximately 2:46 p.m. on Friday, June 3, 2022, 18-year-old Martin Perez of Lompoc was arrested for commission of a hate crime (felony), vandalism (felony), conspiracy (felony), and contributing to the delinquency of a minor (misdemeanor). He will be booked later this afternoon and his bail amount is pending.

Sheriff Brown said, “What occurred at Cabrillo High School wasn’t a prank. It was a premeditated and despicable hate crime that shocked the conscious of the school and our entire community. With support from our Criminal Investigation Division, School Resource Deputy Dennis Thomas swiftly and skillfully investigated the crime and has made this initial arrest. Let this send a strong message to the others who were involved in this hateful and destructive crime that they will be brought to justice. Santa Barbara County is no place for hate.”

This investigation remains ongoing, and we will share updates as any additional arrests are made. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact SRD Thomas by email at ddt3055@sbsheriff.org or at (805)683-2724. Anonymous information can be provided by calling our tip line at (805)681-4171 or online at SBSheriff.org.