Santa Barbara, CA – Hit-and-Run Collision on Cota Street at State Street Leaves One Person Hurt

Santa Barbara, CA (March 28, 2026) – A hit-and-run collision at the Cota St and State St intersection in downtown Santa Barbara left one individual injured and another in custody. Emergency responders arrived at the scene around 9:45 p.m. on March 27, a Friday. Officials reported that a white pickup truck heading west on Cota Street collided with two vehicles stopped at a traffic light on State Street. The pickup’s driver allegedly fled the scene on foot, running north through the 600 block of State Street. A witness nearby pursued and apprehended him on the first block of E Ortega Street. Authorities identified the driver as 50-year-old Ryan A. Hill of Montecito. He was arrested and subsequently booked into jail on suspicion of DUI and hit-and-run causing injuries. Authorities reported that one driver from the struck vehicles sustained minor injuries and was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Another individual at the scene complained of minor pain but did not need to be transported. Officials are still probing the reason for the crash, with additional information to be shared when it emerges. We’re keeping those injured in our thoughts as they get medical treatment.. Why Rear-End Crashes Frequently Occur at Traffic Signals. Rear-end collisions frequently occur at intersections where vehicles slow down or stop for traffic lights. If a driver doesn’t slow down in time, their vehicle might collide with the rear of another car stopped at the light. These accidents frequently happen due to driver distraction or tailgating.