Edhat Staff
Late Monday night, a DUI-related incident in Goleta resulted in a Honda Accord crashing into a single-family residence, with both the driver and passenger arrested following the collision.
Authorities and fire personnel were quick to respond to the scene on the 6200 block of Cathedral Oaks Road to manage the situation.
According to a statement from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, the crash occurred at approximately 11:39 p.m. on June 9, 2025.
The driver, identified by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office as 23-year-old Nehemiah Verhoef of Goleta, failed to negotiate a left-hand turn from Cathedral Oaks to southbound Carlo Drive, resulting in the vehicle striking a crosswalk activator and barreling into the residence.
A solo occupant was home at the time but remained unharmed as they were in a separate area of the house when the collision occurred.
Verhoef, who was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, was arrested on a misdemeanor charge.
His passenger, 24-year-old Luke Gibou of Santa Barbara, reportedly attempted to conceal open containers of alcohol before deputies arrived. Gibou was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of concealing evidence. Both individuals were booked at the Santa Barbara County Main Jail and later cite-released.
Emergency Response
Firefighters worked to secure the structure, with members of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams from Stations 14 and 11 using lumber to shore up the residence for safety.
According to SBC Fire, the Goleta Building Department was notified to assist in evaluating the structural integrity of the home. All fire resources cleared the scene later that evening.
Law Enforcement Reminders
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office took the opportunity to issue a community reminder about the dangers of driving under the influence.
“DUIs are 100% preventable,” said Sergeant Noel Rivas of the Goleta Traffic Bureau. “With rideshare, designated drivers, and public transportation, there’s no excuse for putting lives at risk by driving impaired. Make the right choice before you get behind the wheel—and avoid a trip to jail.”
The City of Goleta contracts with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services. This incident serves as both a cautionary tale and a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and responsible decision-making when it comes to alcohol consumption and driving.
Thank goodness it was late enough that no one was in the living room. Just luck no occupant was hurt. I feel so badly for them having to deal with this! Wishing them well.