Police Pursuit Ends in Arrest of Underage Driver

A short-term pursuit by Santa Barbara Police last night ended in the arrest of one underage driver for driving under the influence, driving without a license and resisting arrest. One 24-year-old passenger was arrested for public intoxication and a third remains outstanding.

The incident began at 12:22 a.m. this morning, when an officer, patrolling the State Street area, saw a black Toyota Camry run a red light; the chase began as the officer U-turned and followed the car down Carrillo Street. According to a press release from police spokesperson Lorenzo Duarte, the driver seemed in no way willing to stop and cooperate with the officer, and continued to speed down Carrillo. Attempting to change directions, the driver took a left-hand turn onto De La Vina Street, crossing a double yellow line, and then collided head-on with another vehicle.

After the collision, three men jumped out of the car and proceeded to run down De La Vina, officers in pursuit. Of the three occupants, the driver, identified as a sixteen year old male, ran out into the street and made his way back towards the underground parking lot of the nearby Ralphs market. Found in the garage, the boy was handcuffed and taken into custody at the Santa Barbara County Juvenile Hall.

Passengers in the struck vehicle suffered only minor injuries and were treated at the site of the crash.