Possible Serial Rapist in Goleta on the Loose

GOLETA—  It appears that there is a may be a serial rapist on the loose in Goleta.  Goleta Police, who are SB Sheriff deputies contracted by the City of Goleta, are investigating a reported a sexual assault over the weekend at an Sumida Gardens Apartments, on the 100 block of Sumida Gardens Ln.

According to Drew Sugars, Sheriff spokesman, at about 3:17am on Saturday, (8/6/11), Goleta Police officers were called by a woman who lives in one of the apartment units.  She reported that a man had broken into her residence while she was asleep and attacked her after she awoke to a strange sound.  The woman was able to scare the man away by screaming for help.  The woman says the man, who was wearing a hood, ran out when she continued to scream for help.

Additional deputies came on the scene along with a K9 team, and the Forensics Unit as to gather evidence and search for the assailant.  The sheriff were unable to locate the man.

Another woman who lived alone in the same apartment complex reported being sexually assaulted by a man nearly a year earlier.  That man also broke into her unit while she was sleeping.  Although the similarities are striking, the Sheriff’s detectives have not confirmed that both cases are related.

This is the fourth incident within a mile radius of each other since September 2010.  There have been a total of four (4) incidents two (2) reported sexual assaults, one (1) reported indecent exposure, and one (1) prowling. 

Authorities are asking anyone who has seen anything out of the ordinary and/or anyone acting suspiciously to contact the Sheriff’s Tip Line at 805-681-4171. The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office also advises residents to always lock their doors and windows to reduce crime.

Friday, September 10, 2010, 9:30pm

A woman who lived in an apartment complex off South Patterson Avenue near Highway 101 found a naked man from the waist down, sitting on a patio chair outside her unit. The man asks to enter the residence, but walks away when the woman threatens to call law enforcement. He is described as a Caucasian male, mid 20’s, approximately 5’10”-6’ in height, average weight, shaggy blonde hair, pale eyes and clean shaven.

Saturday, September 11, 2010, 12:45am

A woman who lives in Sumida Gardens Apartment Complex reports being the victim of a home invasion sexual assault. The suspect is believed to have entered through a kitchen window and exited through the front door. The victim was unable to see the suspect’s face, who she described as possibly a Caucasian male and small in stature (no sketch available).

Saturday, January 1, 2011, 12:45am
A woman who lives in Sumida Gardens Apartment Complex reports seeing a prowler in the patio area outside her apartment. The man leaves the area after seeing the woman call 911. The prowler is described as a Caucasian male, 5’06”, thin build, clean shaven, possibly blond hair and eyebrows, wearing a dark knit beanie pulled down over his ears.

Saturday, August 6, 2011, 3:17am
A woman who lives in Sumida Gardens Apartment Complex reports being the victim of a home invasion sexual assault. The suspect is believed to have entered the apartment through a bedroom window and exited through the front door. The victim says the suspect was wearing a hooded top which made it difficult to get a good description (no sketch available).

The City of Goleta contracts with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services.