Mixed Martial Arts Fighter Busted by SWAT

February 27 – Santa Barbara County

Demetrice Woods, 39, a competitive professional fighter on the Mixed Martial Arts circuit with a spotty win-loss record, was arrested on the morning of Friday, January 24^th pursuant to an investigation by Lompoc Narcotics Detectives.

Woods, a resident of Lompoc and felony parolee, was observed traveling in a car in downtown Lompoc.  According to Lompoc Police Department Support Services Captain Don Deming, Woods had been “the subject of an ongoing narcotics investigation.”  When Woods was spotted, surveillance was implemented to follow his vehicle to his residence.

By that time, according to Deming, “we had SWAT in place due to the high-risk nature of this suspect and arrest.”  SWAT officers promptly served a search warrant upon Woods, gained entry to his residence, and thereafter located nearly two grams of methamphetamine, multiple drug scales, assorted additional drug paraphernalia, wireless communication equipment, ammunition, stun guns and martial arts weapons.

“Possession of these items is a clear parole violation,” Deming said.  As a convicted felon, Woods was arrested for possession of narcotics for sale and possession of illegal weapons. Once inside the residence, police also found more than $5,000 worth of furniture allegedly stolen from local area retailers.

Woods, fighting in various West Coast Mixed Martial Arts contests, standing 6’ and weighing in at 205 lbs.,  has lost his last two contests following a pair of 2010 victories.  His 2009 victory over Andrew Valmonte in the California Fight Syndicate Throwdown at the Showdown by “rear naked choke” submission in the first round may stand as the high point of a spotty career marked by four losses and two wins.

Photos: Courtesy Lompoc Police Booking; MMA-core.com

Read more:

Santa Maria Times: Lompoc man arrested during drug investigation

ksby.com: 2 arrested in drug, stolen property investigations

KCOY 12: 1.6 Grams Of Meth Found In Lompoc Home