On Thursday, December 30, 2021, at approximately 10 p.m. Goleta deputies responded to a report of an attempt rape in progress in the parking lot of Albertsons grocery store located in the 5800-block of Calle Real.  Deputies contacted the survivor who was able to fight off the unknown suspect prior to their arrival. The suspect was last seen running from the area. 

 Deputies, along with a K9 unit, established a perimeter and searched the surrounding area. While searching the area, deputies located the naked male suspect hiding under a trash can to the rear of the Albertsons store. The suspect was identified as 28-year-old Miguel Angel Hernandez-Garcia from Santa Maria. Hernandez-Garcia was arrested and booked at the Main Jail for attempted rape. Hernandez-Garcia is being held on a one-million-dollar bail.  

 The Sheriff’s Office coordinates closely with the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, Victim-Witness Program to ensure the needs of survivors are not overshadowed by the focus on the investigation and prosecution of the accused. Victim Advocates are available to ensure that survivors are kept informed and supported throughout the criminal justice process. Survivors have the option of contacting the Victim-Witness Assistance Program directly at 805-568-2400 or toll free at 855-840-3232. 

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind survivors that they can also find support services through our community partner, Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA). Services offered by STESA include a confidential 24-Hour hotline, legal and medical advocacy and accompaniment, and counseling. You can reach a STESA advocate at any time by calling (805) 564-3696.