Downtown Collision - Suspect Arrested for Felony Hit & Run and Felony DUI

On August 7, 2021, around 6:00pm, the Santa Barbara Police Combined Communication Center received several phone calls about an injury hit and run traffic collision that occurred near the intersection of Anacapa Street and East Ortega Street.

Traffic Officers responded to the area, along with Santa Barbara City Fire Department, and Paramedics. Once on scene, Officers learned a maroon pick-up truck was traveling south in the 600 block of Anacapa Street when the driver rear-ended a 14-year-old juvenile bicyclist that was also going south on Anacapa Street. The bicyclist was ejected, rolled under the truck, and dragged approximately 20 feet. The suspect, Miguel Angel Gonzalez a 23-year-old Santa Barbara resident, allegedly failed to stop and continued driving, fleeing the scene.

Multiple witnesses observed this collision and gave chase to the suspect vehicle, one on a motorcycle. A license plate and suspect description was provided to Officers. Based on the information witnesses provided, Officers responded to a location in the 900 block of East Ortega Street where Gonzalez was believed to be.

Officers arrived in the area and located the suspect vehicle that was parked near East De La Guerra and Alisos Street. Gonzalez’ vehicle had fresh collision damage on the front bumper consistent with a vehicle vs. bicycle collision.

Officers contacted Gonzalez who was sleeping in a garage of a home on East Ortega. Gonzalez showed signs of alcohol intoxication and field sobriety tests were conducted. It was determined Gonzalez was under the influence of alcohol and was arrested.

Gonzalez was booked in the Santa Barbara County Jail for, Hit and Run with Injury (felony) and Driving Under the Influence Causing Injury. Bail is set at $100,000.

Gonzalez’ vehicle was impounded, and the juvenile victim was transported to Cottage Hospital for medical treatment. Thankfully, the juvenile victim only sustained moderate injuries.