Jun
19
SANTA BARBARA, CA – 6/12/2007 – Two men: Gonzalo Rojas, age 27 and Christian Botello, age 26 are in custody in connection with a confrontation between roommates that progressed into a stabbing and robbery. The victim is a 34 year old painter who shares a bedroom with Rojas at a residence in the 1100 block of San Andres Street. The victim and Rojas have been feuding over Rojas’ propensity of frequently coming home late and making too much noise. The victim is a working man who goes to bed and gets up early for work. To resolve their differences Rojas agreed to move out and find a new residence.
Although he agreed to the move, Rojas grew upset about being the one to move out. Out of retaliation, Rojas decided to confront the victim and possibly assault him. His friend Botello agreed to accompany him. Yesterday at 11:45 a.m. Rojas burst into the victim’s bedroom and confronted him at knife point. The weapon was a folding knife with a four-inch blade. Rojas threatened him and demanded cash. Meanwhile, Botello eyed small valuables in the room including a digital camera, an I-Pod, and Walkman stereo. Botello bundled up several small items in a blanket. The victim struggled with Rojas, who responded by slashing at him with the knife. The victim sustained a defensive slash wound to one hand, and a laceration to his forehead. Rojas and Botello both ran from the residence with the stolen property, closely pursued by the victim. The suspects tried jumping into a waiting get-away pickup truck manned by a third party. They couldn’t get in because the doors were locked. The victim charged at them so vehemently that the pickup driver took off, abandoning the two suspects. The angry victim chased the two suspects across the street. Rojas was still armed with the knife and Botello armed himself with a large screwdriver.
The commotion attracted the attention of several passersby, including a man and woman couple. The suspects split up, allowing the victim to focus solely on Rojas. The victim shouted for assistance, and was joined by the man and woman witnesses. Together the three of them chased Rojas around the corner, across a parking lot, and to a dead-end behind the Carrillo Market at 626 W. Carrillo St. Although armed with the knife, Rojas was held at bay until police arrived to take him into custody. He tossed the knife just prior to capture, but police recovered it from on the ground. At 4:00 p.m. detectives arrested Botello at his residence in the 500 block of W. Sola St. Rojas was booked for assault with a deadly weapon and armed robbery; Botello for assault with a deadly weapon and burglary. The victim was treated and released for his stab injuries. Botello is a known gang member, but police are not classifying this as a gang incident.
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