Tip Leads to Deportation of Convicted Felon

Goleta - April 9th, 2009

Deputies with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Gang Unit have captured a twice deported convicted felon who was hiding out in Goleta.

In early March, 2009 the Sheriff’s Department received an anonymous tip that an armed and dangerous gang member had returned to the area and posed a threat to the community. Members of the Department’s Gang Unit investigated and determined that the subject, Martin Perez (DOB 5/17/73), may be at a home on the 7000-block of Del Norte Drive in Goleta.

At approximately 6am on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 members of the Gang Unit attempted to contact Perez at the Del Norte Drive residence. As they searched the home several family members denied he was there. Several minutes later Deputies found Perez unarmed hiding under a futon in a bedroom. He was taken into custody without incident.

As Perez was being taken away from the residence, his girlfriend Carla Barrera (DOB 12/26/74) became physically combative with law enforcement personnel as she tried to stop them from removing Perez. When she was informed she would be arrested for obstructing, she ran into the kitchen, grabbed a 6-8 inch knife and threatened to stab herself in the stomach. Deputies were able to talk her into dropping the knife. She was taken into custody without further incident.

Barrera was booked into jail for California Penal Code sections 417.8 (Exhibiting a deadly weapon, with the intent to resist or prevent the arrest or detention of another by a peace officer) and 148 PC Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing Officer.

Martin Perez was taken into custody by ICE Agents. He was convicted previously for Possession of a controlled substance; 11350(A) H&S in 1998 and Possession of stolen property; 496(A) PC in 2001.

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