The Coast News Group
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Carlsbad police seek additional victims in assault case

CARLSBAD — On June 9 at 11:25 a.m., the city of Carlsbad Police Department received a call about a disturbance at the Motel 6 in the 1000 block of Carlsbad Village Drive. 

As a result of the disturbance, officers arrested 27-year-old Matthew Terrell of Oceanside. Terrell was arrested for False Imprisonment and Assault with the Intent to Commit a Sexual Act, and was booked into the Vista Detention Facility. Bail was set at $50,000.

Investigators have reason to believe Terrell committed similar crimes in the past six months and investigators are seeking contact by any additional victims.

The details of the incident include Terrell inviting the victim to the Motel 6 to take modeling photos.

The victim, a 20-year-old female college student, learned of the modeling opportunity on the free online dating website, “OK Cupid.”

Once in the room, Terrell restrained the victim with plastic zip-ties. The victim struggled, screamed and fought. The disturbance could be heard from outside the room. Others staying at the motel called the police department.

Arriving officers found Terrell and the victim in the room. Terrell was arrested.

If you were a victim of a similar crime or you know someone who was, please contact the City of Carlsbad Police Department Detective Jeff Smith at (760) 931-2146.