Double Fatality on Highway 154

Two people are dead in a late night vehicle accident that shuts down Highway 154 in both directions.

It happened near the Rancho San Marcos Golf Course and Live Oak Camp. According to CHP Officer Shayne Dickson on scene, around 11:48PM Friday night, a dispatch call was reporting a vehicle vs pedestrian. Upon arrival, the California Highway Patrol confirmed that two people had been struck by multiple vehicles and as a result, sustained fatal injuries. Santa Barbara County Fire and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff were among some of the other agencies responding to the scene. The two victims and a dog were the only occupants of their vehicle.

It’s believed the deceased were travelling west on Highway 154 from the Casino. The reasons as to why they exited their vehicle are remain elusive. Initial reports revealed that law enforcement officials had stopped a possible suspect at the Chumash Casino in connection with this incident, and someone was en route to question that driver. However, according to Officer Dickson, no one has been detained or arrested as of yet. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of the next of kin.

UPDATE:

Authorities have arrested 48 year old Martin Macarena of San Luis Obispo in connection with the fatality that occurred on San Marcos Pass late last night. CHP says Macarena took off shortly after striking the victims and was detained at the Chumash Casino soon after. He was arrested on suspicion of felony hit and run and causing injuries.

The two drivers that pulled over to talk to authorities have been identified as Ma Guadalupe, 41 of Oxnard, and 45 year old and Oak View resident, Karen Gong.