Joe Armendariz, Carpinteria’s outspoken and conservative city councilmember, was arrested late Saturday night for driving under the influence by the California Highway Patrol after losing control of his gray Volvo while heading southbound on Highway 101 near Padaro Lane and crashing into a tree.
Armendariz sustained sufficiently serious injuries in the crash to be taken to Cottage Hospital. According to CHP accident reports, his car’s front end was severely damaged. No passengers were in the car.
CHP spokesperson Jeremy Wayland said alcohol was involved in the crash but said test results are still pending. Wayland said Armendariz continued going straight when the road curved. He said the councilmember was conscious and cooperative when authorities arrived.