Edhat Staff
Update by the Santa Maria Police Department
March 20, 2023
UPDATED INFORMATION – New Photos Released – March 20, 2023
Case #SMPD23-0002780
On March 14, 2023, at about 10:59 PM, officers were dispatched the area of Blosser Road and Canal Street in the City of Santa Maria. A citizen reported her male acquaintance (32 year-old David Navarro) had entered the fenced off area surrounding a nearby flood control reservoir and that he could not be located.
An extensive search ensued that included searching the reservoir in the days following. Navarro was not located in the reservoir. Navarro’s whereabouts remain unknown.
The Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) is seeking the public’s assistance with locating Navarro. Attached are three recent photos (see @SMPDHQ Twitter account) of Navarro captured from his social media accounts. The images that depict Navarro with blonde hair are the most recent and believed to be 2 – 3 weeks old.
Anyone with any information related to David Navarro’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact SMPD Investigator Javier Mendez at (805) 928 – 3781 x1730. The SMPD Communications Center can also be reached 24 hours a day at (805) 928 – 3781 x2277.
Detectives Believe Missing Man is Not in Santa Maria Reservoir
Update by the Santa Maria Police Department
March 16, 2023
On Thursday, March 16, 2023, the Santa Maria Police Department, with the 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.
The search spanned the entire day. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Search & Rescue Dive Team utilized special watercraft that was aided by sonar and imaging technology. After concluding search efforts, law enforcement believes missing person 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. The Communications Center can be reached at (805) 928 – 3781 x2277.
Update by the Santa Maria Police Department
March 15, 2023
On March 14, 2023, at about 10:59 PM, SMPD officers were dispatched the the area of Blosser Road and Canal Street in the City of Santa Maria. A citizen reported her male acquaintance (32 year-old David Navarro) had entered the fenced off area surrounding a nearby flood control reservoir and that he could not be located.
Officers were on scene immediately and learned Navarro was not seen entering 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 morning hours, 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 and surrounding area for Navarro. Watercraft, UAS (drones) & thermal imaging resources were all utilized during the search. The SMPD Detective Bureau was also called in to assist and take over the investigation.
[Wednesday] morning (3/15/2023) the SMPD Detective Bureau has continued its search and investigation efforts. Detectives are continuing to canvas the area and have utilized the UAS (drone) team under the improved daytime lighting conditions. The California Highway Patrol also assisted with an extensive air (helicopter) search of the area and surrounding area including all flood channels with negative results.
The SMPD has also requested mutual aid assistance form the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue Team for under water search efforts. We are actively working with the San Luis County Sheriff’s Office on coordinating an underwater search of the reservoir near Blosser Road & Canal Streets.
As we continue our search efforts, we ask the public to contact the SMPD Communications Center with any information related to this case at (805) 928 – 3781 x2277.
By the edhat staff
Water Rescue Teams have been searching for a missing man in a water catchment basin since early Wednesday morning.
At 12:03 a.m., Santa Maria Police, Santa Maria Fire, and Santa Barbara County fire crews responded to the area of N. Blosser and Canal Street in Santa Maria for a report of a missing person.
Crews were informed that a male entered the water in a full catchment basin and did not return.
County Fire crews utilized a rescue boat and utlivity vehicle to search the water’s surface and embankment.
As of 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, County Fire reports only a single article of clothing was identified.
The water response team was funded by the California Office of Emergency Service(CalOES) for the widespread predicted atmospheric river event throughout the state.
This is a developing story.
Search/Missing Man: Update-Only a single article of clothing was identified. The incident is being handled by SMPD. The SBC Fire prepositioned WR Team was funded by the California Office of Emergency Service(CalOES) for the widespread predicted atmospheric River in california. pic.twitter.com/cE1BLOnNKs
— Scott Safechuck (@SBCFireInfo) March 15, 2023
Oh no, that’s no good! Hoping for his safe recover!