A Los Angeles-area man has been charged in Santa Barbara County Superior Court in Santa Maria with murder and drunken driving in connection with a fatal crash on Highway 246 west of Buellton.

Shortly before 7 p.m. Sept. 5, personnel from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and California Highway Patrol responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash on Highway 246 at Domingos Road. 

CHP officers’ preliminary investigation determined that a 2012 Tesla Model S entered the intersection with Domingos Road when a westbound Ford F-150 truck slammed into the passenger car.

The passenger of the Tesla sustained fatal injuries but has not been identified.

The driver of the Tesla, identified as Jesus Moises Martinez Chavira, 46, of North Hills, was transported to a local hospital via an ambulance with major injuries.

CHP officers said Martinez Chavira was arrested on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol. 

The driver of the Ford F-150, George Scarfe, 57, of Lompoc, was transported to an area hospital by ambulance with minor injuries. 

On Tuesday, Santa Barbara County District Attorney John Savrnoch announced the filing of criminal charges against Martinez Chavira. 

In addition to murder, Martinez Chavira faces two charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, including causing injury. 

The criminal complaint also includes an allegation, or sentencing enhancement, for driving with a blood alcohol content 0.15% or higher causing injury.

Martinez Chavira was arraigned Tuesday in a Santa Maria courtroom, where bail was set at $2 million.

California Highway Patrol officers based in Buellton are investigating the case. Senior Deputy District Attorney Madison Whitmore and Deputy District Attorney Ryan Clausen are leading the prosecution team. 

Martinez Chavira is represented by attorney Ali Rezvan.

The case is scheduled to return to court Dec. 1, when the attorneys and judge may set a date for the preliminary hearing.