Police on Thursday arrested a 22-year-old Santa Maria resident after a probation search revealed twelve cases of illegal fireworks hidden in his home. The suspect, Samuel Albrecht, is now being held without bail at the Santa Maria Branch Jail on a citation for illegal possession of fireworks and two outstanding warrants.

Samuel Albrecht

Suspicions arose when neighbors of Hummel Drive and Mi Tierra Lane reported several instances of loud firework sounds on Thursday. Police knocked on the door of Albrecht’s home, but residents refused to answer the door.

Police returned on Friday to search the home after it was revealed that the suspect held two active warrants. He was found hiding in his apartment’s bathroom, ignoring officer’s requests to open the door, at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening.

The illegal fireworks found in Albrecht’s residence contained 288 total “Excalibur” brand canister shells. In a statement released on Saturday evening, Santa Maria Police reminded local residents that the potential for fire-related damage with such devices, especially in drought conditions, remains high.

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