Hit-and-Run Suspect Flees Authorities, Causes Injury Accident

A 37-year-old Santa Barbara man was arrested Sunday afternoon after crashing into multiple vehicles at the Bacara Resort parking lot, then leading authorities on a high-speed chase that ended in a six-car pileup in Carpinteria.

The suspect, Todd Kadell, and two other people were transported to Cottage Hospital’s emergency room for treatment, though none of their injuries appeared to be life threatening. Kadell was charged with felony evading a peace officer which created great bodily harm and felony hit and run causing great bodily injury.

The incident, said Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Drew Sugars, began around 4:45 p.m. when deputies received reports of a man driving a black Volvo in circles around the Goleta hotel’s parking lot and colliding with several cars.

As deputies responded, the driver — later identified as Kadell — headed to Winchester Canyon and drove southbound on Highway 101. Sheriff’s patrol cars soon caught up and tried to pull Kadell over, but he ignored them, said Sugars, speeding up to 85 mph on the rain-slicked highway.

Deputies were ordered to back off because of the danger Kadell posed, explained Sugars, and they lost sight of him near Santa Claus Lane. Soon after, Kadell was involved in a multi-car crash at the intersection of Carpinteria Avenue and Santa Ynez Avenue in Carpinteria.

Kadell ditched his car, but authorities were able to track him down within 100 yards of the scene and take him into custody.