A 40-year-old Woman was Arrested on DUI Charges Following a Rollover Crash in Downtown Santa Barbara
DOWNTOWN SANTA BARBARA, CA — September 23, 2026 — A woman who reportedly caused a rollover crash was arrested for driving drunk.
In the early evening hours of September 21, an SUV traveling near downtown Santa Barbara struck two parked vehicles before rolling onto its side, leaving the driver and a young child trapped inside.
Santa Barbara Police Department patrol officers and city firefighters responded to the crash at approximately 6:15 p.m. They found a Range Rover lying on its side with both occupants unable to get out of the damaged vehicle.
Santa Barbara Fire Department crews worked to extricate the pair before turning them over to waiting medical personnel. American Medical Response then transported the
driver, identified as Ashley Marie Benson, 40, of Santa Barbara, and the child by ambulance to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for evaluation. Authorities did not release information regarding their medical conditions.
Investigators determined that the Range Rover had collided with two parked vehicles before overturning. Shortly thereafter, investigators developed evidence indicating that Benson had been driving under the influence of alcohol.
Because a young child was riding inside the vehicle at the time of the collision, investigators also pursued a child endangerment allegation.
Following the investigation and medical evaluation, Benson was transported to Santa Barbara County Jail, where she was booked on suspicion of felony driving under the influence and child endangerment. She was subsequently released from custody after posting $100,000 bail.
– by F. Scott Faulkner
