Crime-Filled Weekend in Isla Vista

It was a rowdy weekend in Isla Vista as college students arrived back in town after winter break. Two separate fights broke out in front of two different fraternities, a man fell off the Del Playa cliffs, residents reported several burglaries, and police arrested 18 people on Saturday night. A typical Isla Vista Saturday night sees 8 to 12 arrests.

On Saturday morning at around 2:45 a.m., 18-year-old Kevin Ruiz of Reseda was arrested after a bloody fight erupted in front of a Sueno Road frat house that was holding a “large party,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kelly Hoover. Deputies observed four people covered in blood flee the scene. One 21-year-old male UCSB student suffered stab wounds to the head and chest and was transported to the hospital in stable condition.

Saturday night, another fight broke out at a frat house party on El Greco Road, and deputies working in Goleta responded to assist Isla Vista Foot Patrol. Hoover said a number of deputies worked overtime and assisted in transporting arrestees to County Jail.

Also on Saturday, 28-year-old Guillermo Villa fled from authorities after they sought to question him for allegedly riding a stolen bike while drunk on Del Playa Drive. He abandoned his bike, ran from officers, fell off a cliff, and landed in the ocean, Hoover said. He was not seriously injured. Villa was transported to Cottage Hospital and discharged Monday morning. According to Hoover, he was charged with prowling, resisting arrest, joyriding a bicycle, riding a bike while intoxicated, and possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.

Hoover added that several people also reported burglaries on Trigo Road.