A person driving a Ford Explorer struck and killed an 18-year-old woman on the outskirts of Santa Maria Sunday evening. The suspect then fled the scene and remains on the loose. [KSBY]

Around 6:30 p.m., the Ford Explorer was traveling southbound on Highway 135 approaching Goodwin Road when the 18-year-old walked into a crosswalk, according to the CHP. The pedestrian signal was red at the time.

The Explorer collided with the teen, throwing her body about 150 feet. She died at the scene of the crash.

Investigators have yet to determine how fast the SUV was traveling. Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s officials issued an “aware and prepare” alert for a light-colored vehicle with significant front-end damage and broken headlights.

Anyone who has information about the fatal collision, the suspect or its vehicle is asked to call the CHP at (805) 593-3333.