Four Men Arrested for Two Home Invasions in Isla Vista

Sheriff’s officials have sought out and arrested four men from King City, Coalinga, and Fresno, who they believe were involved in two drug-related home invasion robberies. The four are accused of assaults and thefts committed in the same Isla Vista residence on October 22.

The first home invasion occurred at about 1:45 a.m.. Three suspects broke into an apartment on the 700 block of Camino Del Sur and held the people inside at knife point. The three intruders physically assaulted the victims, said they had a gun, and stole property, according to Sheriff’s spokesperson Kelly Hoover. The second break-in happened at about 3 p.m. later that day when three suspects (one was a different man) returned to the same Camino Del Sur residence and again held the victims at knife point and stole more items.

Through a three-week investigation, sheriff’s officials identified four suspects involved in the two break-ins, which officials described as “drug-related crimes.” One of the four suspects was “acquainted with the residence,” according to Hoover, and the suspects traveled to Isla Vista specifically to target the residence.

Sheriff’s officials first identified and arrested Saul Tirado, a 23-year-old man from King City, at a fast food restaurant in Goleta on October 22. Tirado was allegedly involved in the first robbery. Six days later, Sheriff’s detectives joined forces with law enforcement agencies in Fresno. There they arrested Robert Palmer, a 24-year-old man who officials believe took part in the second break-in. On November 8, Sheriff’s officials arrested Coalinga resident Julian Ackerman, a 24-year-old man allegedly involved in both robberies. On November 13, 27-year-old Buddy Baker of Fresno was arrested, also in Coalinga, for also allegedly participating in both home invasions.

All suspects were booked in the county jail on a $500,000 bail.

In a statement, Hoover thanked the agencies involved for helping to bring a “swift and successful conclusion” to the investigation.