Photo: Raymond Kelly
Santa Barbara County – Residential video surveillance cameras are becoming more and more widespread. For starters, they are useful in protecting homeowners from crime. In addition, they’re a valuable law enforcement tool enabling accurate identification of suspects. In this case, it involves a peeping stalker.
Proof of that came at 3:00 a.m. on July 28th, when Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to a 911 Emergency call on an Orcutt residential street. The report indicated “a male subject who was peeking into a window” of a Union Avenue home.
The reporting resident “monitored the suspect via surveillance cameras.” Then the resident observed the suspect entering the female victim’s back yard and then looking through a bedroom window.
When deputies rolled up to the scene, 50-year-old Santa Maria resident Raymond Kelly took off on foot in an attempt to avoid contact with law enforcement.
A short foot pursuit ensued, ending with Kelly handcuffed in custody. His charges are peeping and resisting a peace officer.
It was then learned that Kelly “had a history of unwanted contact with the victim” over the prior year. Based upon that information, the SBSD additionally charged Kelly with stalking, with his bail set at $150,000.
SBSD detectives believe there may be additional victims as yet unreported. Anyone with additional information can contact SBSD detectives at (805) 681-4171.
Photo: Courtesy Santa Barbara County Jail
