Pursuit Ends in Goleta Slough

Goleta- A suspect is in custody after leading officers on a pursuit in Goleta that went on and off Highway 217 and into the slough near Goleta Beach. It happened just before 1 p.m. Friday afternoon, and started in downtown Goleta. CHP officers responded to reports of a wrong way driver on Highway 217 which leads to UCSB. Sheriff’s units and UC Police were also in the area and saw the suspect trying to avoid law enforcement. The suspect abandoned his car in a mobile home park and led officers on a chase along the bike path near the entrance of Goleta Beach. Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies chased the suspect into the slough and eventually had him in custody around 1:15 p.m. County Air Support Unit Copter One assisted with aerial support during the pursuit and helped to locate the suspect within minutes of arriving on scene.Sheriff’s Deputy Patrick Hayes and his K-9 Gango were also in pursuit following the suspects scent down the bike path and into the brush.The suspect has been identified as 26-year-old Binisio Nicolas Pereda of Lompoc. Lt. Butch Arnoldi says Pareda has been sought for several weeks on numerous felony charges relating to drug and vehicle crimes. He adds that Pareda is a Meth dealer. He’s been booked at the Santa Barbara County Jail. KEY News Reporter Shirin Rajaee reports. Share your comments about this story with us on the KEY News Facebook page. Connect with KEY News on Twitter