Man Arrested for Attempted Sexual Assault

Police responded to a call of attempted rape early Saturday morning at the Ala Mar Motel located on 102 W. Cabrillo Boulevard. A short while later police located and arrested 31-year-old Felipe Gallegos for allegedly attacking a 52-year-old German tourist in her motel room.

According to police, Gallegos had fled the scene but was located on the 200 block of Bath Street. He was arrested after being identified during an “in-field show up.” Detectives found that Gallegos was in possession of a key to the motel room because he had previously stayed in the room but did not return the key.

On the morning of the attack, police said Gallegos entered the room and sexually assaulted the victim. During the attack, Gallegos stopped her from using her cell phone to call for help. The victim physically resisted him. Gallegos apparently fled the scene when others were alerted to the incident.

The victim was assisted by a Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center advocate and Gallegos was booked in County Jail on charges of burglary, assault with the intent to commit rape, digital penetration, and dissuading a witness. His bail was set at $1 million.