SANTA BARBARA, Calif- Police have arrested a man for sexually assaulting a woman in the DJ booth of Tonic Nightclub on State Street. A busboy noticed what was happening and stopped the attack, said police.
According to a police news release, Elpidio Garcia-Venegas bought the victim a beer and asked her to dance. Once on the dance floor, police say that Garcia-Venegas forced the victim through the crowd over to the DJ booth and pulled down her dress and assaulted her.
The victim tried to struggle and call for help but the music was too loud, said police. However, a busboy saw the two against the wall and "noticed that the victim was crying and had a panicked look on her face."
The busboy shined his flashlight on the suspect and asked him what was going on. Garcia-Venegas tried to leave but was stopped by the busboy, said police. Garcia-Venegas was escorted outside by security and detained until the officers arrived.
Investigators said that it would have been difficult for any of the people in the club to see the attack because of flashing strobe lights and a fog machine.
Police said that Garcia-Venegas declined to make a statement, other than to initially say that he had been "sexy dancing" with girls at the nightclub.
The suspect was arrested and charged with Felony sexual battery.
