Police Locate Meth, Handguns, Pipe Bomb

Members of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Gang Task Force discovered methamphetamine, handguns and a pipe bomb after they followed up on a lead connected to the armed robbery of the Oceano Market earlier this month.

Matthew Lee Lawrence

According to a press release from the sheriff’s department, they received information that the firearms that were used in the armed robbery were hidden in a house in the 200 block of Whiteley Street in Arroyo Grande.

Investigators say based on that tip they conducted a probation search that led to the discovery of methamphetamine, a pipe bomb and two handguns. However, investigators say the individuals living at that house are not implicated in the Oceano Market robbery.

According to the press release, further investigation led to two suspects in the robbery case – Matthew Lee Lawrence, 30, of Grover Beach and Michael LynnAnthony Hardisty, 21, of Arroyo Grande.

Investigators say shortly after the probation search at the house on Whiteley, they located Hardisty at a local motel in Pismo Beach where he was arrested on drug-related charges. Lawrence was already in custody for charges unrelated to the robbery.

According to the press release, as the Gang Task Force continued to investigate the robbery, they developed sufficient evidence to charge both Lawrence and Hardisty with the armed robbery of the Oceano Market.

Both were arrested and charged with armed robbery, criminal conspiracy and assault with a deadly weapon.

Both suspects are also being charged with an earlier home invasion robbery that occurred in Oceano on August 7. An ongoing investigation is continuing to determine if the suspects have criminal street gang ties.

Read More:

San Luis Obispo Tribune: Two Suspects in Armed Robbery of Oceano Market are Arrested

KSBY: San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department Arrests Two People for Armed Robbery