SLO County Woman Killed in Santa Maria Hit-and-Run

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A 46-year-old woman from Nipomo, California was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Santa Maria late Saturday night. The victim, Maria Juarez Moreno, was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Bunny Avenue and Blosser Road and died at the scene. Police later located the suspect vehicle and arrested a 30-year-old Santa Maria man, who was booked on multiple felony charges.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run crashes are an ongoing public safety issue, often leaving victims and their families with little recourse. This incident highlights the need for improved road safety measures and stronger enforcement to hold negligent drivers accountable.

The details

According to authorities, the fatal collision occurred just before midnight on Saturday in Santa Maria. Maria Juarez Moreno, a 46-year-old Nipomo resident, was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Bunny Avenue and Blosser Road. Moreno received medical aid but was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver immediately fled after the crash, but police were later able to locate the suspect vehicle and arrest a 30-year-old Santa Maria man, who was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on multiple felony charges.

• The crash took place just before midnight on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
• Police arrested the 30-year-old suspect following the incident.

What’s next

The 30-year-old suspect will face multiple felony charges in court for his role in the fatal hit-and-run collision.