Lompoc

Accident leaves one teen dead, one injured

A 16-year-old Lompoc male died Saturday night when the car he was driving struck a utility pole on Bailey Avenue shortly after 10:30 p.m.

According to Battalion Chief Stan Hart of the Lompoc Fire Department, Brandon Pate's 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit the utility pole on the right shoulder of Bailey Avenue just north of Ocean Avenue.

Pate was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of his injuries, according to a report by the California Highway Patrol, which is investigating the cause of the accident.

Another male, 14, a passenger in the car, was transported to Lompoc Hospital where he was treated and released for minor injuries, according to authorities.

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Santa Maria

Arrest made after short car chase

A Santa Maria resident is behind bars after a short vehicle pursuit Saturday night.

Santa Maria Police arrested and charged 38-year-old Manuel Castillo of Santa Maria with reckless evading, transportation of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, driving under the influence and operating a vehicle without a drivers license shortly after 11 p.m. Saturday night.

According to the police department report, a Mercury Tracer was observed running a red light at a high rate of speed at the intersection of Stowell and Blosser roads. Police followed the vehicle, attempting to pull over its driver.

The pursuit came to an end a short time later when Castillo drove into a dead-end at Sunset Avenue and Mary Drive.

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Lompoc

Pepper spray brings out Fire Dept.

The Lompoc City Fire Department responded to a call of an unknown substance causing illness in an apartment complex at 434 North L Street shortly after 4 p.m. Sunday.

According to Battalion Chief Stan Hart, four patients complained of nausea, vomiting and teary eyes.

After fire officials evacuated the 20-unit complex, it was determined that the cause of the irritant was kids playing with pepper spray, according to Hart.

Residents were allowed to return to their homes shortly before 5 p.m., he said.

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Pismo Beach

ATVs stolen off trailer in early morning

Pismo Beach Police officials reported the theft of two all-terrain vehicles early Saturday morning at 421 Pomeroy Road. The 2005 Yamaha Raptor ATVs were reported stolen at 6:30 a.m. Saturday.

According to the police report, both vehicles were rolled off a trailer, but the trailer was not stolen.

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New Cuyama

Injured woman flown to Cottage Hospital

Santa Barbara County Fire responded to a single-vehicle accident in the Ballinger Canyon off-road vehicle recreation area at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

A 34-year-old female was transported by CalStar helicopter to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital with moderate injuries, county fire department officials said.

More details on the victim's condition and her name were not available at press time Sunday night.

-- From staff reports