GOLETA, Calif. – In a shocking incident at the Best Western South Coast on Wednesday, a 33-year-old man from Port Hueneme has been arrested and booked on charges of attempted homicide and assault with intent to rape.

Attempted Homicide and Assault at Best Western South Coast

On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at approximately 5:51 a.m., the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call from the Best Western South Coast located in the 5600 block of Calle Real in Goleta. The incident involved an attempted homicide and assault with the intent to rape, with the suspect identified as a 33-year-old man from Port Hueneme.

Swift Apprehension with the Help of Air Support Unit

Responding promptly to the call, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office swiftly mobilized its resources. At around 3:30 p.m. the same day, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department’s Air Support Unit joined forces with the deputies to locate and apprehend the suspect. The Air Support Unit played a vital role in tracking down the perpetrator near Del Norte Drive and Glenn Annie Road, leading to his arrest without any further incident.

Multiple Charges and Bail Set

The 33-year-old suspect was taken into custody and subsequently booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail. He is now facing a series of serious charges, including attempted homicide, assault with intent to rape, false imprisonment, and criminal threats. The bail amount for his release has been set at an astounding $1 million by the competent authorities at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

The Collaborative Efforts of the Air Support Unit

The Air Support Unit, an invaluable collaboration between the Santa Barbara County’s Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department, operates as an all-hazard unit. Comprising dedicated personnel from both agencies, this joint effort ensures swift response and effective assistance in critical situations, such as the one witnessed during this incident.