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1 killed, 2 injured in late-night crash in Santa Maria

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UPDATE (Monday): The Santa Barbara County Coroner's Office has identified the man killed as Jesus Antonio Mata-Garcia, 21, of Santa Maria.

UPDATE (3:14 p.m.) - The California Highway Patrol is seeking information on a driver involved in a deadly crash in Santa Maria late Saturday night.

The crash happened shortly after 11 p.m. on Highway 166 west of Hanson Way.

Officers say the 21-year-old driver of a Nissan Kick from Santa Maria was reported to have been passing vehicles over double yellow lines. 

He was reportedly heading eastbound on Highway 166 when officers say he used the left turn lane to overtake a Nissan Frontier, colliding with a Dodge Journey, which was pushed into the Frontier.

The driver of the Kick died as a result of the collision.

Officers say witnesses reported that following the crash, the driver of the Journey handed his infant to bystanders and took off.

A passenger believed to be the baby’s mom reportedly suffered minor injuries in the crash and was questioned by authorities.
The baby’s injuries were described as moderate.

Officers say alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash, which closed a portion of the highway for several hours overnight.

Authorities are looking to identify the driver of the Journey and are asking anyone with information to contact the Santa Maria area CHP office at (805) 608-6310.

ORIGINAL STORY: A driver was killed and two other people injured in a crash in Santa Maria late Saturday night.

It happened at around 11:11 p.m. on West Main Street, west of Hanson Way.

Details of the crash have not been released by the California Highway Patrol, but according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, the male driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other people were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor and moderate injuries.

Fire officials say three other people denied treatment.

This story will be updated as information becomes available.