Santa Maria Teen Arrested in Friday Fatal Accident

Santa Maria police arrested a 17-year-old boy Saturday evening after he left the scene of a fatal accident that killed a Righetti High School student.

Two vehicles were involved in the incident which police called a “street race” along East Donovan Road Friday night.

Friends and family identified 17-year-old Breanna Rodriguez as the driver of a car that ended up wrapped around a light pole. She was airlifted to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, but died from her injuries.

In a news release, police said the accident was caused when the two vehicles were travelling at a high rate of speed. Investigators found the vehicle driven by Rodriguez ran a stop sign, before crashing into the pole.

The other driver left the scene, and was arrested Saturday night. That teen was booked into Santa Barbara County’s Juvenile Hall on charges of felony hit and run and vehicular manslaughter.

The two cars did not collide with each other, but state law requires any drivers involved in an accident to remain at the scene.

Police said the investigation had not yet determined if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the fatal accident.

Also on Saturday evening, hundreds came out to a candlelight vigil in honor of Rodriguez held at the crash site on East Donovan Road just west of Suey Crossing Road. Two others were hurt in the Friday night accident.

Firefighters used the “Jaws of Life” to cut the top of the car to rescue the five teenagers trapped inside the vehicle driven by Rodriquez.

Two of those teens, a boy and girl, were taken by ambulance to Marian Regional Medical Center, where their conditions are not currently known.

The five teenagers in Rodriguez’ vehicle had attended a basketball game at Pioneer Valley High School.

The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District released a statement on Saturday evening.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy,” said SMJUHSD Superintendent Dr. Mark Richardson.

Counseling services will be available to students and staff.