Police chase ends with handcuffed driver in Old Town Goleta
LATEST UPDATE
The California Highway Patrol has released a preliminary investigation into a police pursuit through different areas of south Santa Barbara County that ended when the suspect crashed in Old Town Goleta early Friday morning.
The pursuit began just before 11 p.m.Thursday when a Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputy reported a stolen Toyota Camry on U.S. Highway 101 southbound in the area of Winchester Canyon Road.
The driver of the suspect car was identified as 21-year-old Santa Barbara resident Andrew Mario Calzada.
As the pursuit heading southbound, CHP says Calzada exited the freeway at Hot Springs Road and sped through Santa Barbara’s lower eastside, through Old Coast Highway to Salinas Street to Canada and Carpinteria Streets, before heading to parts of the Riviera.
The suspect eventually got back on U.S. 101 southbound from Milpas Street towards Summerland. At about 11:12 p.m., deputies requested CHP take over the pursuit. The suspect vehicle then exited Padaro Lane and got back on the freeway going northbound with speeds as high as 95 mph at times.
A Sheriff’s helicopter joined the chase as it headed through Summerland, Montecito, Santa Barbara and Goleta. Eventually, CHP says Calzada turned around near the Tajiguas Landfill, about 15 miles west of Goleta, and headed southbound reaching speeds up to 95 mph at times.
CHP says Calzada finally exited the freeway at Fairview Avenue where the chase continued down Old Town Goleta along Hollister Avenue.The pursuit ended near the area of Armitos Avenue and 89 Kinman Avenue due to what CHP is calling “legal intervention.”
Three people inside the suspect vehicle were apprehended, including the driver. The third occupant in the Toyota Camry was released without being charged. However, 18-year-old Goleta resident Isabella Estella Varela was arrested and charged alongside Calzada.
A Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s K-9 unit was on scene but was never released. No one was injured in this incident.
Calzada was charged with Felony reckless evading, auto theft, being in possession of stolen property, and Driving under the influence of a controlled substance. Varela is facing charges of being in possession of stolen property, auto theft and being under the influence of a controlled substance.
Calzada and Varela’s bail has been set at $75,000 each.
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[12:22 a.m. PST – Jan. 6] Santa Barbara County Sheriff Deputy Sgt. Regan confirmed the suspect vehicle was stolen, possibly from the area of Hollister and Winchester Canyon. Deputies will be analyzing the car for evidence.
Two men and one woman were taken into custody. Sgt. Regan said they’re all 18 years of age and older.
[12:00 a.m. PST- Jan. 6] Suspect has been taken into custody. The chase ended in the area of Armitos Avenue and Kinman Avenue in Goleta. At least two other passengers were in the car at the time of the pursuit. It’s not known if they are suspect or victims.
Kinman Avenue has been closed off.
The pursuit ended when a white sedan, described as a Toyota Camry, crashed, sustaining damage to one of its sides.
[11:53 p.m. PST] Chase passing through Old Town Goleta. On surface streets. Suspect may have gotten in a wreck.
[11:38 p.m. PST] Chase is now heading southbound on U.S. 101 towards Goleta and Santa Barbara.
[11:27 p.m. PST] Chase approaching Winchester Canyon at about 100 mph.
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Watch Facebook Live: NewsChannel 3 reporter Vicky Nguyen
Law enforcement are currently in hot pursuit of an unknown suspect late Thursday night.
We picked up the chase at about 11 p.m. coming down Old Coast Highway to Salinas Street, Canada Street and made its way to Milpas Street before the suspect turned and got on Alameda Padre Serra to make a loop back down Old Coast Highway.
Early reports indicate the suspect vehicle, a white sedan, may be stolen. The chase reached speeds between 50-60 mph on surface streets.
Santa Barbara police, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol joined the chase. A law enforcement helicopter is also assisting with the chase.
The suspect is leading the pursuit on U.S. Highway 101 northbound reaching speeds of approximately 90 mph.
So far no injuries have been reported.
No further details were immediately available. Check back for continued updates.
