Woman arrested in connection to Santa Maria HWY 101 shooting

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - California Highway Patrol blocked off the southbound lanes of Highway 101 in Santa Maria Monday evening while they search for a shooting suspect.

Around 5:02 p.m., CHP said they received reports of a person shooting at cars from the right-hand side of the southbound 101 just north of Stowell Road.

One person was reportedly hit by a bullet in their arm and was transported to the hospital.

Others said their cars were hit by the gunshots.

Upon arriving at the scene, CHP set up a perimeter and called for a helicopter to locate the gunman.

Shortly after, a vehicle was found stopped on the right shoulder of the 101 south of the Alvin Avenue overcrossing.

Officers approached the car and found one woman inside who claimed her car had broken down and she was waiting for help.

However, when the officers looked around, they found bullet casings on the ground around the woman's car and she was detained at the scene.

CHP said the woman then told officers she had a gun in her vehicle. Officers uncovered the loaded handgun but continued searching the area for other suspects until it was determined the woman was the primary suspect in the shooting.

The Los Angeles woman was then arrested on charges of assault with a firearm.

The southbound lanes of Highway 101 between Donovan Road and Stowell Road were closed during the incident while officers searched for the suspect.

Caltrans issued an alert instructing drivers to detour onto Highway 135/Broadway to continue south.

The freeway was fully opened at Donovan by 10 p.m.

To view a live Caltrans traffic camera in the area, click here.