Saul Estrada Munoz arrested for alleged 2025 sexual assault in Carpinteria

Saul Estrada Munoz, 27, of Santa Barbara, was arrested on Monday, September 21, 2026, in connection with the alleged 2025 sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in Carpinteria. The arrest took place in the 300 block of West Arrellaga Street with assistance from local police.

The incident reportedly occurred in March 2025 when the victim was walking home near Carpinteria Avenue and Via Real. Authorities state an unknown man approached her and allegedly assaulted her at knifepoint in a landscaped area near a bike path.

Following an investigation that included DNA analysis of forensic evidence collected at the scene, detectives obtained a Ramey warrant for Munoz. He faces suspicions of forcible rape, kidnapping to commit rape, and making criminal threats. Munoz is being held at the Santa Barbara County Main Jail on $1 million bail.