Montecito Man Charged with DUI, Hit-and-Run in Crash Injuring 4

Ryan Andrew Hill accused of fleeing scene after rear-ending vehicles on State Street in Santa Barbara

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:55pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered car side mirror reflecting the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background.A recent wave of hit-and-run crashes in Santa Barbara has exposed the dangers of impaired driving and the need for tougher enforcement.Santa Barbara Today

A 51-year-old Montecito man has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of an accident after an alleged hit-and-run crash that injured four people last weekend on downtown State Street in Santa Barbara. Ryan Andrew Hill is accused of crashing his white pickup truck into two vehicles stopped at a traffic signal, then fleeing the scene on foot before being caught by a witness.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about impaired driving and hit-and-run crashes in the Santa Barbara area, which have led to increased enforcement and calls for tougher penalties. The case also raises questions about whether the suspect's prior DUI conviction played a role in the latest alleged offense.

The details

According to police, Hill's white pickup truck rear-ended the two vehicles stopped at the intersection of Cota and State streets on the night of March 27. One driver was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. After the crash, Hill allegedly fled northbound on State Street, but was chased down and caught by an employee from a nearby restaurant. The District Attorney's Office has charged Hill with DUI causing injury and hit-and-run, with enhancements for multiple victims and a prior DUI conviction within the last 10 years.

  • The incident occurred on the night of March 27, 2026.
  • Hill was arraigned on the charges on April 2, 2026.
  • A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 7, 2026.

The players

Ryan Andrew Hill

A 51-year-old Montecito resident who has been charged with DUI causing injury and hit-and-run in the March 27 crash.

Santa Barbara Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the incident and arrested Hill.

Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutorial agency that filed charges against Hill, including DUI with enhancements.

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What they’re saying

“The truck rear-ended two vehicles stopped at the traffic signal.”

— Charlie Katsapis, Santa Barbara Police Department Commander

What’s next

Hill will appear in court for a preliminary hearing setting on April 7, 2026, where a judge will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing problem of impaired driving and hit-and-run crashes in the Santa Barbara area, which have led to increased law enforcement efforts and calls for tougher penalties. The suspect's prior DUI conviction also raises questions about whether more could have been done to prevent this latest alleged offense.