University police arrested a man believed to be under the influence of alcohol and drugs after he hit a UCSB student with his car Sunday night.
According to a UC Police Dept. release, two female UCSB students, whose names were not released, were walking south on Stadium Road at about 6:15 p.m. when one of them was struck by a car driven by 47-year-old William Cobb Vanbuskirk of Goleta. The second student called 911 for emergency assistance.
Paramedics arrived and transported the victim to Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital, where she was held overnight for observation. UCPD Officer Mark Signa said the woman’s injuries were minor but would not comment further.
Signa said tests revealed that Vanbuskirk had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit and also tested positive for being under the influence of illegal drugs.
A search of Vanbuskirk’s vehicle found an open container of alcohol, marijuana and illegal fireworks. Signa said Vanbuskirk was arrested under Section 23153 of the California Vehicle Code – driving under the influence and causing bodily injury to another person – and booked into Santa Barbara County Jail. Vanbuskirk’s car was towed from the scene.
Driving under the influence and causing bodily injury is a felony, meaning the offender could face time in state prison if found guilty, Signa said.
Signa said the fees resulting from the charges would be costly for the offender.
“In any drunk driving case, the fees will be expensive,” he said.
Signa said in addition to attorney fees and restitution fees, the offender can be fined anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000.
“And if it’s involving injuries, like [in this case], they can be even more than that,” he said.