DUI Round-Up
updated: Dec 10, 2012, 7:53 PM

Source: SBPD

In November 2012 officers from the Santa Barbara Police Department made 25 arrests for driving under the influence violations. Numerous arrests are made each month when concerned citizens call 911 after witnessing possible DUI drivers. The SBPD would like to thank the responsible citizens who take the time to call and report suspected drunk drivers. The following is information on a few of those cases.

11/4/12 at 8:19 p.m.: Hannah Louise Semmler (age 21) was involved in a hit-and- run traffic collision on 800 Castillo Street. Semmler fled the scene and the victim followed her to 400 Dibblee Avenue where she then collided with a parked car. Semmler attempted to again drive off before the first victim blocked her vehicle with his own. He then exited his car, took Semmler's keys, and called the police. Officer Dustin McGrew and Officer Maudlin arrived and contacted the involved parties. Officer McGrew spoke with Semmler and discovered that she had a suspended driver's license. Officer McGrew noticed that Semmler appeared intoxicated, smelled of alcohol, and was slurring her speech. Semmler stated that she had consumed two margaritas earlier in the day. Officer McGrew conducted a DUI investigation; however Semmler was too intoxicated to safely complete field sobriety tests. Officer McGrew placed Semmler under arrest for DUI and she chose to provide a blood sample which registered her BAC at .24. Semmler was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail for DUI, unlicensed driver, and two counts of hit and run.

11/14/12 at 1:20 p.m.: Thomas W. Gully (age 46) was observed intoxicated at the County Administration Building on the 1100 block of Anacapa Street. Several concerned citizens called police and stated that Gully was seen stumbling into the area of City Lot 7; the citizens were concerned that Gully was going to get into a vehicle and drive. Officer Lombardo and Officer Corbett responded and searched the area on foot. Officer Lombardo and Officer Corbett were given a description of Gully and his clothing, but did not know what kind of vehicle he drove. Officer Corbett stood near the exit of the city lot and contacted Gully as he attempted to drive out. Officer Corbett noticed that Gully appeared very intoxicated with bloodshot eyes and thick slurred speech. Gully quickly became uncooperative and combative. Officer Corbett and Officer Lombardo were eventually able to maneuver Gully out of his vehicle, onto the ground, and into handcuffs. Gully was placed under arrest for DUI and resisting arrest and was advised of his requirement to submit to a chemical test. Gully refused to provide a sample of his blood or breath for analysis. He was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and at the direction of a police supervisor subjected to a forced blood draw which registered his BAC at .28. Gully was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail for DUI and resisting arrest.

11/17/12 at 10:06 p.m.: John William Reilly (age 48) made a right turn from an improper lane position at the intersection of Anacapa Street and Mission Street. Officer Jan conducted a traffic stop and noticed that Reilly appeared intoxicated and requested that Drinking Driver Team Officer Tudor respond to conduct a DUI investigation. Officer Tudor contacted Reilly and noticed that he appeared very intoxicated, slurring his speech and smelling strongly of alcohol. Nevertheless, Reilly said he had not consumed any alcohol. Officer Tudor conducted a DUI investigation and arrested Reilly for DUI. Reilly chose to provide a breath test which registered his BAC at .29. Reilly was issued a citation for DUI and admitted into the Sobering Center.

11/23/12 at 2:31 a.m.: Christina Marie Tanner (age 25), was the driver and sole occupant of a vehicle that collided with a parked car on 1000 Bath Street causing her vehicle to roll over and come to rest on its roof. Officer Denbrook arrived and contacted Tanner who was standing on the sidewalk near her car. Officer Denbrook noticed that Tanner smelled strongly of alcohol and was displaying symptoms of intoxication. Tanner stated that she had not consumed any alcohol. Officer Denbrook conducted a DUI investigation; however Tanner refused to complete many of the field sobriety tests. Officer Denbrook determined that Tanner was too intoxicated to safely operate a motor vehicle and placed her under arrest for DUI. Tanner chose to provide a blood sample which registered her BAC at .19. Tanner was evaluated by medical personnel and then issued a citation for DUI and admitted into the Sobering Center.

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