Suspect Being Held at Santa Barbara County Jail with No Bail
By Jae Brattain | Posted 01.07.2013
Officers from the Santa Barbara Police Department answered a call over the weekend about a stolen vehicle near the corner of East Figueroa and North Milpas. The victim informed the police that Ronald Beltran, 39, had taken his truck without permission and stabbed him with a knife around 3:30 pm Sunday afternoon. However, the report was not made until 11:30 pm in the evening.
The 46-year old male, who is related to Beltran, had been taking a shower at the time when the stabbing incident occurred. Beltran wielded a knife while threatening his life, then punctured the victim twice in the back. The wounds were superficial and did not require hospitalization. But it was serious enough to justify attempted murder charges.
Another relative happened to be nearby and assisted by intervening in the situation. Beltran left the residence, but the victim did not report the incident immediately. He left the home for personal matters and returned around 9:00 pm. Upon his return, the victim noticed his vehicle was gone. Another relative indicated that Beltran took the keys and truck.
California Highway Patrol officers notified police that the vehicle had been involved in a collision, but was unoccupied when inspecting the scene. It was located near the intersection of Old Coast Highway and the 101 Freeway.
During this time, patrolmen had been watching a van owned by Beltran near Milpas Street. At approximately 12:45 am, the assailant returned and was confronted by officers at the scene. He resisted arrest, but was eventually taken into custody after a scuffle.
Investigators noted that relatives said Beltran appeared heavily intoxicated before everything occurred. However, detectives were not able to ascertain a motive because the suspect refused to provide any information. Nevertheless, Beltran did admit that he wanted to provoke the victim into a fight by taking the truck without permission.
He is being held at Santa Barbara County Jail with no bail bonds. He faces multiple charges including attempted murder, hit and run, stealing a vehicle, and resisting arrest by police. His first hearing will be Tuesday, January 7, at Santa Barbara County Superior Court.
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