*UPDATE* SBPD Requests the Assistance in Identifying Taser Suspect of Elderly Assault

UPDATE: On April 21, 2022, around 9:20 am, the Santa Barbara Police Department followed up on several leads provided by community members regarding a taser assault and elder abuse incident that occurred in the 2900 block of State Street this Monday (April 18, 2022).

Information was provided to Officers as to the identity and location of the suspect. Officers were able to make contact with the suspect in the 100 West block of Calle Crespis.

During this portion of the investigation, probable cause was established to arrest 41-year-old Santa Barbara resident, Violetta Hatipoglu.

The investigation revealed a verbal argument ensued between the victim and Hatipoglu. This led to Hatipoglu using a flashlight-taser on the victim several times.

Hatipoglu was transported and booked in the Santa Barbara County Jail for Felony Elder Abuse and Felony Assault with a Taser. Bail was set at $20,000.

Santa Barbara Police would like to thank the community and media outlets that assisted with the investigation.  

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On April 18, 2022, around 7:30 pm, the Santa Barbara Police Combined Communication Center received a report from a 72-year-old female victim stating she had just been attacked and tasered by an unknown female suspect in the 2900 block of State Street.

The victim reported, while on her cell phone talking to a family member, the female suspect approached her and brandished a taser. According to the initial investigation, this incident was unprovoked by the victim. The suspect then began to “taser” the victim several times before fleeing the area on foot.

The suspect is currently outstanding, and the Santa Barbara Police Department is requesting the assistance of the community in identifying her. The suspect needs to be questioned regarding this case for felony elder abuse and felony assault with a taser.

The suspect appears to be a Hispanic female approximately 5’ 4”, weighing around 160 lbs., and in their mid-30s. At the time of the attack the suspect was wearing a grey beanie type hat, brown jacket, and grey athletic pants. The suspect also had a Germen Shepard dog with her.

If you know this suspect, or observed someone matching the description in the photos, please contact the Santa Barbara Police Department 805-882-8900 or call 9-1-1.