A woman was killed Monday night in a crash in Santa Maria that occurred after a brief pursuit by police officers, according to the Santa Maria Police Department.
Shortly after 10 p.m., officers responded to a report of a reckless driver, and located a white Jeep driving erratically near Blosser Road and Cook Street, said Sgt. Zackary Robbins.
“In under a minute, officers terminated the pursuit near the intersection of Stowell Road and Western Avenue in the interest of public safety,” Robbins said.
The Jeep continued eastbound on Stowell Road at a high rate of speed, Robbins said, running multiple red lights.
Minutes later, the Jeep slammed into another vehicle at the intersection with Bradley Road.
The woman driving the Jeep was ejected from the vehicle during the collision and died of her injuries at the scene, Robbins said.
He added that the occupants of the other vehicle were not hurt.
The dead woman’s name was not released pending notification of relatives.
The incident remained under investigation by the Police Department and the California Highway Patrol.
Anyone with information about it is asked to contact the Police Department at 805.928.3781, ext..2277, or the CHP at 805.608.6310