Isla Vista suspect on the run from police jumps off cliffs into ocean

On Monday, November 18, a 19-year-old man reportedly jumped from the cliffs on the 6700 block of Del Playa Drive in Isla Vista while fleeing police in response to a 9-1-1 call in which he said he authorities reported his disturbing behavior.

Before his cold plunge, the suspect, identified as Joshua Collard, allegedly punched someone in the face, vandalized a car and threatened to open fire on the victims. A 9-1-1 call from an Isla Vista resident sent police to the area, where they identified Collard based on the caller’s description. In an attempt to evade arrest, Collard headed west from Sabado Tarde Road to Del Playa Drive, jumping off the cliffs into the ocean.

But the tide worked against him, causing Collard to end up in the water and requiring emergency services help. Santa Barbara County firefighters and an ocean rescue team pulled him from the ocean using a 15-foot ladder, returning him to safety. After being medically cleared at the Goleta Valley Emergency Room, Collard was transported to the Santa Barbara County Main Jail.

Collard now faces two charges, including criminal threatening and assault, in addition to multiple charges of vandalism, fighting in public and resisting arrest. His bail is $50,000.