Santa Maria police are searching for an outstanding suspect following a violent attempted robbery that occurred on the evening of September 19, 2026. The incident took place shortly after 9:30 p.m. in an alley located in the 300 block of North Oakley Street. According to the Santa Maria Police Department, two Hispanic male suspects approached a victim and attempted to rob him. During the confrontation, one of the suspects fired an AR-15-style rifle, striking the victim in the leg. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive the injuries. Following the shooting, the suspects fled the scene in a vehicle. Law enforcement utilized license plate reader technology to track the car and locate one of the individuals involved. Officers subsequently apprehended 32-year-old Irwin Lara at his residence. Lara was taken into custody and booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on charges including accessory, robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon. While Lara is in custody, the second suspect remains at large. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet released the identity of the outstanding suspect. The Santa Maria Police Detective Bureau is urging the public to come forward with any information that could help locate the second suspect or provide details about the incident. Residents with knowledge of the suspect's whereabouts or identity are asked to contact the Santa Maria Police Detective Bureau immediately. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to resolve violent crimes and ensure community safety.