(UPDATE: 7:05 p.m.) - Santa Maria Police do not believe a man missing after Tuesday's storm is in the reservoir.
Law enforcement with assistance from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Search & Rescue Dive Team conducted another extensive search of the flood control reservoir located at Canal Street and Blosser Road Thursday.
The search spanned the entire day, with the dive team utilizing special watercraft that was aided by sonar and imaging technology. After search efforts on Thursday, law enforcement believes missing David Navarro is not in the reservoir.
Anyone that may have been in the area of this incident on the evening of Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at about 11:00 PM and those that may have any information related to David Navarro's whereabouts are encouraged to contact the Santa Maria Police Department at (805) 928 - 3781 x2277.
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Search crews were out once again Thursday looking for any signs of a man reported missing following Tuesday’s storm.
Santa Maria police say officers responded to the area of Blosser Road and Canal Street around 11 p.m. Tuesday after receiving a call that a man identified as David Navarro, 32, was missing after entering a fenced-off area near a flood control reservoir.
Police say Navarro was never seen entering the water; however, his jacket was located in the water nearby.
Assistance from the Santa Maria Fire Department was requested along with a search and rescue team from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. A San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office dive team was also still on scene Thursday.
Police say they’ve also utilized drones, thermal imaging and a CHP helicopter for the search, which has also been done in nearby flood channels.
The Santa Maria Police Department’s detective bureau is now in charge of the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact SMPD at (805) 928-3781 x2277.
