Michael Culligan Arrested after Fatal Accident on Santa Lucia Canyon Road [Lompoc, CA]

Michael Culligan Arrested after Fatal Accident on Santa Lucia Canyon Road [Lompoc, CA]

Michael Culligan Arrested, Man Dead after Fatal Lompoc Crash

 
LOMPOC, CA (June 17, 2020) — Officials arrested 29-year-old Michael Culligan, of Lompoc, following a fatal two-car crash on Tuesday, June 16.
 
According to the California Highway Patrol, the accident happened on Santa Lucia Canyon Road and Victory Road just before 12:30 p.m.
 
CHP Officer Kelly Valdez said that a gray Jeep SUV and blue Lexus sedan crashed about a mile north of the Lompoc federal prison complex.
 
The Jeep, which was reported stolen out of Lompoc, moved southbound on Santa Lucia Canyon Road. Then, for undetermined reasons, its driver crossed the double-yellow line. The Jeep went into the path of the Lexus moving in the opposite direction, Valdez said.
 
The driver of the Lexus, a 36-year-old male from Santa Maria, died at the scene. The passenger, a 38-year-old female, had major injuries. Paramedics airlifted her to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
 
The Jeep’s driver, Michael Culligan, fled on foot into the nearby bushes before officers arrived. Authorities located and arrested him three hours later after a perimeter and search efforts that involved a K-9 unit and CHP helicopter.
 
Officers said drugs may have played a role in the incident.

Our deepest condolences remain with the family and friends of the deceased.

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