University Custodian Held on $1.2 Million Bail Following Multiple Reports
San Luis Obispo police arrested Cal Poly custodian Angel Munoz Quintana on Wednesday after two young women reported being victimized by a man posing as a rideshare driver near campus. The first victim reported a sexual assault to police on Monday, while a second victim came forward to report being held against her will by the same suspect. A university spokesperson confirmed Thursday that Quintana worked as a custodian at Cal Poly.
5 Key Points
- Cal Poly custodian Angel Munoz Quintana faces sexual assault charges after posing as a rideshare driver.
- Two separate victims reported incidents near the Cal Poly campus within days.
- The first victim reported sexual assault, and the second reported being held against her will.
- San Luis Obispo Police Department arrested Quintana on Wednesday.
- The suspect remains in San Luis Obispo County Jail with bail set at $1.2 million.
Students React to Campus Employee’s Arrest
News of Quintana’s arrest rattled the Cal Poly community, particularly given his employment at the university. “It’s scary knowing that faculty and trusted individuals are doing that kind of thing,” said student Megan Chally. Female students expressed heightened concerns about their safety on and around campus. “As a woman, I am pretty paranoid and always ensuring my safety,” said Natalie Meza, who added, “I want to trust the people who work here, and I respect them because they do so much, but hearing something like that is kind of scary.”
Police Issue Critical Safety Guidelines
The San Luis Obispo Police Department responded to the incidents by releasing detailed safety protocols for rideshare passengers. Officers emphasized three critical verification steps: matching the vehicle’s license plate to the app information, requesting verbal confirmation of passenger names from drivers, and utilizing built-in safety features offered by rideshare platforms. Uber and Lyft provide emergency features – Uber offers a PIN code verification system, while Lyft connects riders directly to ADT security for live support.
Campus Community Adapts to Safety Concerns
While some students hesitate to use rideshare services alone, others maintain confidence by implementing strict safety measures. “On the app, there are things you can press if you feel unsafe, and I always let my family and friends know I’m Ubering, and they always have my location too,” said student Isabelle Baquian. “Depending on the person, it can be odd, especially if you are Ubering alone,” added Chally, reflecting broader concerns about solo travel. Meza concluded, “I’m going to think more when using an Uber and be more aware of my surroundings, especially because he was a janitor here.”
FAQ
Q: Can I take legal action if I was sexually assaulted or abused during an Uber/rideshare trip?
A: Yes, you may have the option to pursue a legal claim. Contact our legal experts to learn about your rights and start a free, confidential case review.
Q: What safety features do rideshare apps provide to protect passengers?
A: Both Uber and Lyft offer built-in safety features. Uber provides a PIN code verification system to confirm driver identity, while Lyft directly connects to ADT security services for live support during rides.
Q: How can riders verify their rideshare driver is legitimate?
A: San Luis Obispo Police recommend three key steps: match the license plate number to the app information, ask the driver to verbally confirm your name before entering the vehicle, and use the safety features within the rideshare app.
Q: Where did the reported incidents occur?
A: Both incidents occurred near the Cal Poly campus in San Luis Obispo. To protect victim privacy, police have not disclosed the exact locations.
Q: What was the suspect’s role at Cal Poly?
A: Angel Munoz Quintana worked as a custodian at Cal Poly, which a university spokesperson confirmed on Thursday.
Q: What charges is the suspect facing?
A: The suspect faces charges related to sexual assault and false imprisonment based on reports from two victims. His bail has been set at $1.2 million at the San Luis Obispo County Jail.
Q: How can students share ride information with trusted contacts?
A: Rideshare apps allow passengers to share their real-time location and ride details with family and friends. Students are encouraged to use these features and inform trusted contacts when taking rides.
Citations
McKenzie Diaz (January 16, 2025). Cal Poly employee accused of sexual assault, posing as rideshare driver. KSBY News. https://www.ksby.com/san-luis-obispo/cal-poly-employee-accused-of-sexual-assault-posing-as-rideshare-driver
