Santa Maria Police Department update
March 16, 2023
On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the Santa Maria Police Department, assisted by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Dive Team, conducted another extensive search of the flood control reservoir at Canal Street and Blosser Road.
The search lasted all day. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue Dive Team deployed special watercraft supported by sonar and imaging technology. With search efforts complete, law enforcement believes missing person David Navarro is not in the reservoir.
Anyone who may have been in the area where the incident occurred as of the evening of Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at approximately 11:00 p.m. and those who may have information as to the whereabouts of David Navarro are asked to contact the Santa to turn to Mary. The Communications Center can be reached at (805) 928-3781 x2277.
Santa Maria Police Department update
March 15, 2023
At approximately 10:59 p.m. on March 14, 2023, SMPD officers were dispatched to the Blosser Road and Canal Street area of the city of Santa Maria. A resident reported that her male acquaintance (32-year-old David Navarro) entered the fenced-off area surrounding a nearby flood defense tank and that he could not be located.
Officials were there immediately and learned that Navarro was not seen going into the water. However, officers recovered what they believe to be Navarro’s jacket from the water in the same general area.
Throughout the evening and into the early hours of the morning, the Santa Maria Police Department, the Santa Maria Fire Department and the Santa Barbara County Fire Search & Rescue Team conducted an extensive search of the immediate area and vicinity of Navarro. Watercraft, UAS (drones) and thermal imaging devices were used during the search. The SMPD Detective Bureau was also brought in to assist and take over the investigation.
[Wednesday] Tomorrow (03/15/2023) the SMPD Detective Bureau continued its search and investigation efforts. Detectives continue to scan the area and have deployed the UAS team (drones) under the improved daytime lighting conditions. The California Highway Patrol also assisted in a comprehensive aerial (helicopter) search of the area and surrounding area, including all flood drains, with negative results.
The SMPD has also asked the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office search and rescue team for mutual assistance for underwater search efforts. We are actively working with the San Luis County Sheriff’s Office to coordinate an underwater search of the reservoir near Blosser Road and Canal Streets.
As we continue our search efforts, we urge the public to contact the SMPD Communications Center at (805) 928-3781 x2277 with any information regarding this case.
From the Edhat staff
Water rescue teams have been searching for a missing man in a watershed since Wednesday morning.
At 12:03 a.m., the Santa Maria Police Department, Santa Maria Fire Department, and Santa Barbara County Fire Department called the N. Blosser and Canal Street area of Santa Maria to report a missing person.
Crews were informed that a male entered the water in a full catchment and did not return.
County firefighters deployed a lifeboat and supply vehicle to search the water surface and dam.
As of 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, the County Fire reported that only a single garment had been identified.
The Water Response Team was funded by the California Office of Emergency Service (CalOES) for the widely predicted statewide atmospheric flow event.
This is an evolving story.
Search/Missing Man: Update – Only one item of clothing has been identified. The incident is being processed by SMPD. The WR team prepositioned by SBC Fire was funded by the California Office of Emergency Service (CalOES) for the widespread predicted atmospheric flux in California. pic.twitter.com/cE1BLOnNKs
— Scott Safechuck (@SBCFireInfo) March 15, 2023
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