CHP Investigating “Suspicious Death” Off Highway 166 Near Santa Maria

Law enforcement is investigating a “suspicious death” which closed a portion of Highway 166 east of Santa Maria from Thursday evening into early Friday morning.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports Santa Maria based patrol officers responded to a section of the highway at Suey Creek Road at around 11:40 p.m. Thursday.

Responding officers determined the incident to be a “suspicious death investigation” and turned the case over to the CHP Coastal Division Investigative Services Unit.

“The safety of our community is our highest priority,” said Santa Maria Area Commander Lieutenant Joseph Rodriguez in a press release. “Detectives are working tirelessly to advance the investigation.”

Anyone who was in the area of Highway 166 and Suey Creek Road late Thursday night is being asked to contact the Coastal Division’s tip line at CHP-710Tips@chp.ca.gov. 

Further information has not been publicly released.

The highway is currently open.