Santa Barbara County – Proving yet again the old saw that “you can run, but you can’t hide”, Matthew Salcido, 28, found himself in handcuffs on February 24th in the state of Texas regarding rape charges emanating from Santa Barbara County.
In 2009, Salcido was the subject of intense investigation into a series of rape allegations when he summarily left for parts unknown. At that time, Santa Barbara County Sheriffs and the Santa Maria Police Department initiated a prolonged investigation into Salcido’s possible whereabouts. It took five years of work by “several agencies”, according to SBSD Public Information Officer Kelly Hoover, but “new information regarding his whereabouts” came into the possession of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Felony Fugitives Unit indicating that he was likely to be found in Waco, Texas living with family members.
Pursuant to that information, local authorities contacted U.S. Marshals Service Deputies in Waco, databases were checked and compared, and Salcido was reported to be employed at a Waco area retailer. Additional information generated by database cross-checking indicated that Salcido was residing at an apartment leased in the name of his wife.
With the evidence at hand, deputies from the Waco U.S. Marshals Service then conducted surveillance of the apartment, whereupon Salcido was observed “peeking his head out the front door,” Hoover reported. Apparently the coast appeared clear to Salcido, and he blithely exited the residence and walked directly into the waiting arms of deputies. Following a brief struggle, Salcido was taken into custody and taken to the McLennan County Jail where he now awaits extradition back to Santa Barbara County.
Photo: Courtesy McLennan County Jail
Read more:
KSBY: Rape suspect from Santa Maria arrest din Texas
Noodls: Sheriff’s felony fugitive unit assists in locating rape suspect
