A Grover Beach man has been arrested in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a Lompoc teenager earlier this month.

The investigation began Oct. 6 when a 15-year-old girl and her mother arrived at the Lompoc Police Department to report a sexual assault, police said Friday.

The victim said she met an adult male from outside the local area via social media. 

Despite the victim disclosing her age, the suspect continued to communicate with her on social media, police said.

A few days later, the man traveled to meet the girl in Lompoc, where the alleged sexual assault occurred.

“At the time of the initial report, the victim was only able to provide the suspect’s first name, description of vehicle and a general geographical area,” police said. 

Lompoc detectives immediately initiated an investigation and utilized the department’s access to the city’s Flock Safety camera system to identify the suspect’s vehicle. 

After getting search warrants for the suspect’s social media accounts, detectives said they gathered sufficient evidence to secure an arrest warrant. 

At 6 p.m. Thursday, Lompoc police located Alberto Tapia Ochoa, 29, of Grover Beach inside his vehicle in the southern San Luis Obispo County city.

He was taken into custody without incident on the outstanding warrant and subsequently transported and booked into the Lompoc City Jail. 

Ochoa was arrested on suspicion of multiple charges related to inappropriate contact with a minor.

“The Lompoc Police Department encourages parents and guardians to maintain an open dialogue with youth regarding online safety and the potential risks associated with interacting with strangers on social media platforms,” officials said.

Police said anyone with additional information regarding this case or similar incidents involving Tapia Ochoa can contact the department and speak with Detective Renner by calling 805.736.2341.