Detectives arrest two additional suspects in Isla Vista home robbery
ISLA VISTA, Calif. – Santa Barbara County Sheriff's detectives arrested multiple suspects in connection with a November 2019 home robbery in Isla Vista.
Detectives arrested Gavin Rapin, 18, of San Francisco, on allegations of residential burglary, false imprisonment, robbery, conspiracy to commit a crime, and kidnap for the purpose of robbery.
Detectives also arrested a second suspect, whose identity was not released at the time due to his status as a minor. The juvenile was booked at the Santa Maria Juvenile Hall for residential burglary, false imprisonment, robbery, criminal threats, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
In their investigation, detectives identified these suspects as two of the individuals who held victims at gunpoint during the home invasion on November 18 at an apartment on the 6500 block of Sabado Tarde.
Deputies contacted two victims who reported being robbed at gunpoint inside their residence by three suspects. They described the suspects as a white male in all black clothing with a ski mask and handgun; a white male adult in a camouflage jacket, armed with a handgun; and a Black male adult dressed in all black who was unarmed.
The suspects were linked to a newer-model BMW 3 Series with a six in the license plate sequence.
One victim sustained minor injuries that did not require immediate medical attention; the other was uninjured. The suspects stole two laptops, a cell phone, a wallet, and an unknown amount of marijuana.
On November 23, 2021, sheriff’s officials announced the arrest of 21-year-old Heyaw Meteke of Isla Vista for robbery and false imprisonment. Meteke later pled guilty to robbery and, in April 2022, was sentenced to two years in prison.
That same day, another Isla Vista resident was arrested for accessory. That individual was later exonerated of the allegations.
On Friday, sheriff's detectives authored arrest warrants and three search warrants that were served in San Francisco with assistance from the San Francisco Police Department. The warrants targeted the homes of the suspects and the registered owner of the vehicle used in the robbery.
Rapin and the juvenile were later brought into custody. Rapin eventually pled guilty to robbery and use of a gun and, in April 2022, was sentenced to six years in prison.
The registered owner of the vehicle was not arrested.
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article included the name of a suspect who was later exonerated. That name has been removed in accordance with current editorial guidelines, which limit naming individuals prior to the filing of formal charges.
For previous coverage click here.
