High Speed Pursuit On U.S. 101 Ends in Santa Ynez Valley

Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies found themselves in pursuit of two suspects who led them in a high speed chase on U.S. 101, and then to Highway 154, Tuesday afternoon.

The chase began just before 4:30 p.m. when a vehicle, described as a silver Toyota driving erratically and dangerously, was traveling on U.S. 101 southbound in north Santa Barbara County.

A chase ensured shortly after deputies attempted to make contact with the suspect vehicle. Speeds reached of up to 100 mph.

It is unclear why the suspects were fleeing from police.

Just before Highway 101 and state Route 154 met, the driver lost control of the vehicle, sliding sideways off the roadway and crashed into a barbed wire fence. The pair then fled the scene on foot in different directions.

A Sheriff’s helicopter was dispatched to assist with the chase.

After several minutes of searching, deputies were able to detain both suspects without incident.

Jose Gijon, 20, of Santa Maria was arrested along with a 17-year-old juvenile.

The pair was arrested on multiple charges of driving under the influence, reckless driving, possession of a baton, gang enhancement, probation violation, resisting arrest and fleeing the scene of an accident and more.

Gijon was transported to the hospital with minor injuries and will be transported to Santa Barbara County Jail once he is medically cleared.