Officers searching for driver after vehicle crashes into ditch in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - California Highway Patrol officers were searching for a driver Monday night after a vehicle drove off the side of a road into a ditch in Santa Barbara.

The crash happened around 8:42 p.m. near the intersection of Las Positas and Modoc roads.

CHP reported a red Jeep had been traveling at high speeds when it drove off the side of the road and into an open trench.

Officers attempted to illuminate the overturned vehicle with their flashlight through the brush.

Officers said the driver, who they believe to be a woman, had fled the scene before they arrived.

Roads were closed for less than one hour during the incident. As of 9:30 p.m., only one lane of Las Positas remained closed while officers continued to search for the driver.

They said the vehicle may not be hauled out of the ditch until Tuesday.