Santa Maria, Calif. – After an hour-long search, deputies arrested two Santa Maria men for several felony charges stemming from their attempt to defraud a bank. On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at approximately 2:40 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a bank in the 1100-block of E. Clark Avenue for a report of a suspect attempting to cash a forged check. Bank employees provided a great amount detail of the suspect to Sheriff’s dispatch while deputies responded to the area.

As deputies arrived the suspect, 31-year-old Richard Martinez, fled the bank on foot. Deputies chased the suspect who entered a nearby discount store, and then out the back door. With the assistance of several CHP officers, a perimeter was established. During the search, a suspicious subject, 31-year-old Carlos Alonso was contacted in the area. After about an hour of searching and with the assistance of County Air Support and a Sheriff’s K9 Unit, Martinez was located in the 900-block of Patterson Road and arrested. It was later determined Carlos Alonso was Martinez’ accomplice.

Both suspects were transported to the Northern Branch Jail where they were booked for conspiracy (felony), burglary (felony), forgery (felony), and making a fictitious check (felony). Alonso is being held with $20,000 bail.  Martinez had several outstanding warrants and is being held without bail.