SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA – September 3, 2025 – A Vista resident is behind bars after Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies arrested him in connection with a violent sexual assault reported within a few short blocks of the UCSB campus over Labor Day weekend.
According to SBSD Public Information Officer Raquel Zick, the attack occurred “in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 30th, “just off campus.” The victim—who reportedly knows the suspect—”endured a prolonged physical and sexual assault inside an apartment.” At one point, she managed to flee into a common area but was allegedly forced back inside by the assailant.
Later that same day, at around 5:42 p.m., deputies made contact with and arrested 22-year-old Damian Silverio. He was taken into custody and transported to Santa Barbara County Jail, where he was booked on multiple felony charges, including kidnapping to commit rape, rape by force or fear, false imprisonment, domestic violence, criminal threats, and preventing a victim from calling 911.
Silverio remains in custody on a no-bail hold as of 09/04/25.
“Detectives believe there are witnesses to this crime who have not yet been identified,” according to Zick. “Anyone who witnessed an altercation in in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 30, 2025, is strongly encouraged to contact Detective Ellis at (805)681-4150.”
