Authorities in Santa Barbara County have released released the mugshot of a man suspected of violently raping and kidnapping a woman in Isla Vista over the weekend.
On Thursday, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office shared an image of 22-year-old Damian Silverio of Isla Vista, who was arrested in connection with the attack.
On Saturday, deputies responded to an apartment complex on the 6500 block of Trigo Road in Isla Vista, the coastal community located adjacent to the University of California, Santa Barbara.
At the scene, they contacted a female victim who “endured an hourslong physical and sexual assault,” including an escape attempt that resulted in her being dragged from a common area back into the apartment.
Although details are limited, the woman was eventually able to escape, and Silverio was taken into custody that evening. Authorities said Silverio and the victim are “known to one another.”
After his arrest, the Sheriff’s Office put out a plea to the public for any information about the ordeal, and, due to the visible and violent nature of the crime, urged any witnesses to come forward.
As of Thursday, authorities have not said if they’ve contacted any additional witnesses.
He’s described as a Hispanic male standing 5 feet 8 inches and weighing around 160 pounds.
Silverio was booked in the Santa Barbara Main Jail to await charges for kidnapping, rape, false imprisonment, domestic violence and preventing a victim from calling 911. He remains in custody without bail, and his next court date has not been announced.
Anyone with information is urged to contact SBSO Detective Ellis at 805-681-4150. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 805-681-4171.
The Sheriff’s Office says it will thoroughly investigate this case and others like it and will ensure survivors have access to resources and support. Victim advocates have been made available by calling 855-840-3232. Resources and additional support can be found here.
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