Hit & Run Suspect Arrested

On August 2, 2021, around 1:00pm, Santa Barbara Police Traffic Officers responded to the area of Oceano Avenue and Del Sol Avenue for a report of a hit and run collision with injuries. Several community members contacted the Combined Communications Center to report a vehicle had struck a juvenile riding a bicycle in the area, and was fleeing the scene. There were three juvenile bicyclists riding with the victim and witnessed the collision. The suspect vehicle had also left vehicle parts at the collision scene prior to fleeing.

Traffic Officers arrived and were able to get a detailed description of the suspect vehicle and license plate. While one of the Traffic Officers was responding to the collision, they observed the suspect vehicle that matched the description and reported plate. The Officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and contacted the suspect driver in the area of West Montecito Street and Castillo Street.

The suspect driver was identified as Jessica Mendoza, a 34-year-old Santa Barbara resident.

The investigation revealed Mendoza was involved in the collision and failed to stay at the scene, provide any exchange of information, or render aid to the injured juvenile. Mendoza was arrested and booked in the Santa Barbara County Jail for, Hit and Run with Injury (felony), Driving on a Suspended License (misdemeanor), Driving without an Alcohol Interlock Device (misdemeanor), and No Proof on Insurance (infraction). Mendoza’s vehicle was impounded, and she is being held on $50,000 bail.

The juvenile victim was not seriously injured.