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Traffic Collision Found Over 154
updated: Jan 22, 2013, 3:56 PM
Source: CHP
Traffic collision found over the side of SR-154 this morning
Shortly after 4 PM yesterday afternoon, an injury traffic collision ensued on SR-154 (San Marcos Pass),
just west of Royal Egyptian Farms. The involved Toyota Prius had been earlier reported by motorists
as being driven recklessly on US-101 northbound, in the Summerland area. Michael Crolius of Solvang
drove his Toyota Prius westbound on SR-154 at, a high rate of speed, and failed to negotiate a sharp
curve in the roadway. It appeared he continued straight despite the curve. The Toyota left the
roadway, became airborne, and collided with a descending embankment. Other than disturbed dirt
along the shoulder, there was no evidence of a collision visible from the roadway.
Mr. Crolius contacted family members from his cellular telephone and requested help; however, he
requested law enforcement not be contacted. Concerned family members contacted the CHP despite
Mr. Crolius' objections at approximately 5 PM to report the collision. CHP Officers from the Santa
Barbara Area and the Buellton Area responded and searched for Mr. Crolius; however Mr. Crolius wasn't
certain where the collision occurred, and the information received was second hand. The original
broadcast reported the collision had occurred on SR-154 at Paradise Road. The CHP searched SR-154
from Buellton to State Street in Santa Barbara, but were unable to locate the collision scene. At one
point last night, family members were along the side of the road at the scene, but were unaware due to
the darkness. Air support was also unable to locate a collision scene.
This morning, at approximately 8:30 AM, CHP Officer J. Rodriguez located the Toyota down a
descending
embankment. The Toyota was overturned and situated on its driver's side, and Mr. Crolius was standing
in his car unable to get out due to his injured shoulder.
Fire and ambulance were dispatched. Fire extricated Mr. Crolius from his Toyota, and AMR transported
him to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for treatment.
Prescription drug impairment is being investigated as the primary cause of this collision. If convicted,
this would be Mr. Crolius' fourth DUI in three years.
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