Santa Maria Police Arrest Suspect in Fatal Hit and Run Collision

The Santa Maria Police Department announced a suspect has been arrested in a fatal hit and run collision that took place on Saturday, December 27.

Emergency responders arrived in the 600 block of Black Road just after midnight following a report of a possible person in the roadway.

Upon arrival, officers located a deceased male in the northbound lane of Black Road. Evidence at the scene indicated the individual had been struck by a vehicle. The involved vehicle was not located,

Investigators announced they were looking for a white sedan with major front-end and windshield damage believed to be involved in this collision. 

Later that morning, Santa Maria Police officers made contact with the subject involved in the collision.

The vehicle believed to be involved was located, and 32-year-old Magdaleno Valentin-Mozqueda was taken into custody and booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail for a violation of California Vehicle Code 20001(b)(2). 

The deceased is believed to be an adult male in his 50s. Positive identification is pending, and next-of-kin notifications are ongoing.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with any additional information related to this incident is asked to contact Officer Jensen at extension 1233 or SMPD Dispatch at extension 2277. Further updates will be released as information becomes available.