A UC Santa Barbara student was sexually assaulted when she was walking home Saturday night but escaped after punching her attacker in the face, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) reported.

The 22-year-old woman was walking home on the 6600 block of Del Playa Drive at approximately 8:50 p.m. She was nearing El Embarcadero Road when a man behind her allegedly grabbed her crotch through her clothing, according to SBSO.

The victim turned and punched the suspect in the face, knocking him onto the ground, according to SBSO.

Sheriff’s deputies and UC Police Department officers from the Isla Vista Foot Patrol (IVFP) searched the area for the suspect but were unable to find him.

Law enforcement said the suspect is described as a 6-foot-tall Caucasian male with black hair wearing a black-colored shirt.

SBSO is investigating the case. Anyone with information can call 805-681-4171 or use the Sheriff’s office anonymous tip website.

According to SBSO, UCPD and the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center offer self-defense classes.

Print