The California Highway Patrol has arrested a man suspected to be involved in a major injury hit-and-run crash in Montecito last month.
Investigators say Derrick John Thompson, 22, of Minnesota is believed to be the driver who struck a woman who was walking along Butterfly Ln. on the afternoon of September 4.
CHP says Ventura police had chased Thompson’s car into the Montecito area after trying to stop the vehicle for reckless driving.
After the woman was hit, investigators say the vehicle crashed into a wall and Thompson ran away. Two passengers in the car were arrested at the scene.
Authorities conducted a search of the area but were unable to locate Thompson at the time.
Investigators say they later traced Thompson to Minnesota where he was recently taken into custody by the St. Paul Gang Task Force.
Thompson was extradited back to California and according to the California Highway Patrol, booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on charges of hit and run, evading a peace officer, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of marijuana for sale, and resisting arrest.
