Two Women Killed on Highway 154

Two women were killed 12/21 on Highway 154 as they chased after a loose dog that ran out of their parked car. According to a Sheriff’s spokesperson, 54-year-old Sara Ornelas of Santa Barbara and 49-year-old Barbara Romero of Lompoc pulled over near the Rancho San Marcos Golf Course to relieve themselves on their way to the Chumash Casino when the dog escaped. One of the women ran into traffic to catch it, but she and the dog were hit and killed by oncoming cars. The other woman attempted to help her friend but was also fatally struck. One of the involved drivers — Martin Macarena, 48, of San Luis Obispo — fled the scene but was arrested at the casino on suspicion of felony hit and run while causing injuries. The other drivers cooperated with authorities at the scene.