A Santa Maria man was arrested after Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies say he was caught riding a stolen ATV on property near the Santa Maria Riverbed.
An agricultural business reportedly alerted the sheriff’s office that two people were riding an ATV and a dirt bike in the area.
When deputies arrived, they say they found the ATV abandoned with the ignition modified to allow starting without a key. The dirt bike was also reportedly found nearby.
Sheriff’s officials say deputies also spotted two men running from the area.
Deputies and Santa Maria Police officers were reportedly able to catch up with one of the suspects and took him into custody. The other suspect remains on the loose.
Richard James Mineau, 34, was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property, trespassing on cultivated lands, vehicle theft, resisting arrest, and discharging or depositing oil into California waters.
Sheriff’s officials say the ATV was returned to its owner.
