05/27/2026
PRESS RELEASE
Fatal Hit-and-Run Investigation – State Route 162
Oroville, Calif. — On May 17, 2026, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) received reports of a pedestrian possibly down and in critical condition along State Route 162 near Kampong Court in Butte County.
Emergency personnel responded to the scene and located an unresponsive male, later identified by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office as Michael Lloyd Blair of Oroville. Blair was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency personnel.
CHP officers from the Oroville Area Office initiated a traffic crash investigation. Based on evidence located at the scene, investigators determined Blair had been struck by a motor vehicle during the overnight hours between May 16 and May 17, 2026. Investigators also determined Blair was within the roadway at the time of the collision.
During the course of the investigation, CHP personnel identified evidence indicating the involved vehicle was a gray Kia Telluride. Utilizing multiple law enforcement investigative resources and technologies, including Flock camera systems and other investigative tools, CHP investigators were able to identify and locate a possible suspect vehicle and person of interest connected to the collision. The vehicle was subsequently examined and confirmed to have been involved in the incident.
The driver of the Kia Telluride was interviewed by investigators. Due to the limitations of the preliminary investigation at the time, no arrest was made.
The CHP is continuing to finalize the investigation and will be submitting the case to the Butte County District Attorney’s Office with a recommendation to file charges for violation of California Vehicle Code section 20001(a) – felony hit-and-run resulting in death or injury.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this collision is encouraged to contact the Oroville CHP Area Office.
