A vehicle crash in Goleta, California, led to the arrest of both the driver and passenger on Monday night. The incident occurred at approximately 11:38 p.m. when deputies responded to a report of a vehicle crashing into a residence on the 6200-block of Cathedral Oaks Road.
The driver, identified as 23-year-old Nehemiah Verhoef from Goleta, failed to make a left-hand turn from Cathedral Oaks to southbound Carlo, resulting in the vehicle driving over a crosswalk activator and colliding with a home. Authorities determined that Verhoef was under the influence of alcohol at the time.
The passenger, 24-year-old Luke Gibou from Santa Barbara, attempted to hide opened containers of alcohol before deputies arrived at the scene.
Verhoef was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, while Gibou faced charges for concealing evidence. Both individuals were booked at the Main Jail and later released with citations. No injuries were reported as the occupant of the residence was in another part of the home during the collision.
Sergent Noel Rivas from the Goleta Traffic Bureau emphasized prevention by stating, “With rideshare, designated drivers, and public transportation, there’s no excuse for putting lives at risk by driving impaired. Make the right choice before you get behind the wheel—and avoid a trip to jail.”
Law enforcement services in Goleta are provided through a contract with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office.
