A man convicted of kidnapping and assault in Santa Barbara is expected to be sentenced to 41 years to life in prison next month.
Last week, a Santa Barbara jury found Angel Anthony Sanchez, 30, guilty of kidnap for rape, assault with intent to commit rape with the use of a deadly weapon, carrying a dirk or dagger, resisting a peace officer, and dissuading a witness with the use of force.
The assault happened at around 11:30 p.m. on September 2, 2018, in the 3700 block of State St.
The victim was reportedly walking to an ATM when Sanchez rode up on a bicycle behind her and started asking her for her name. When the woman ignored him, Sanchez grabbed her phone and threw it into a nearby parking lot, then tried to sexually assault her.
The woman fought back but she was pushed to the ground and dragged into the parking lot.
A driver who was passing by reportedly heard the woman screaming and pulled into the parking lot. The vehicle's headlights apparently startled Sanchez and he rode off on his bike.
Police said the woman was able to provide a good description of her attacker and officers located Sanchez in the same area the following day and arrested him.
According to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office, Sanchez had two prior serious felony strike convictions, and a woman who Sanchez was convicted of raping a decade ago in Los Angeles County testified at his trial.
Sanchez is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26.
Previous coverage:
Santa Barbara police arrest suspect in attempted sexual assault, kidnapping
