David Ruben Cova
SANTA BARBARA — In yet another demonstration of the value of luck over wisdom (and the lack thereof), 39-year-old Santa Barbara resident David Ruben Cova survived a recent car crash of such forceful impact that it sheared off a massive utility pole yet only left him with injuries so minor that it allowed him and his passenger to flee the scene prior to the arrival of first responders.
According to Santa Barbara Police Department spokesman Sgt. Joshua Morton, Cova—allegedly driving on a suspended license—“was behind the wheel of a Honda Civic” when it slammed into a downtown sidewalk Santa Barbara utility pole after crossing the thoroughfare’s double-yellow lines.
The immediate result of the accident was the loss of electrical power to a significant number of residential and business customers.
Morton reported that “witnesses told investigators they saw two men fleeing the scene after the crash,” and that vehicle registration documents found inside the Honda promptly led police to Cova’s home.
As he answered the cops’ arrival, it was apparent that Cova was “under the influence” and exhibited minor injuries indicating he’d been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
At that point, Cova was handcuffed and transported to Santa Barbara County Jail, where he was booked on charges of driving on a suspended license, driving under the influence, and hit-and-run with property damage.
Photo: Courtesy Santa Barbara County Jail Booking
