Cayucos firefighter arrested on suspicion of rape

A firefighter employed by the Cayucos Fire Department was arrested Thursday on suspicion of rape.

Oscar Higueros Jr., 38, of Cayucos, was taken into custody by San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office deputies on suspicion of forcible rape, forcible sodomy and oral copulation. According to jail logs, he was also booked on suspicion of a fourth, unlisted charge.

The Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that officers received a report on Aug. 25 of child abuse involving a minor under the age of 18 that allegedly occurred in July. Investigators served a search warrant at Higueros’ residence in the 100 block of Pacific Avenue where the incident allegedly took place.

Higueros is a paid volunteer with the Cayucos Fire Department, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Cayucos Fire Department Chief Mike Minetti confirmed Tuesday that Higueros is a captain with the department and has been placed on unpaid administrative leave. Minetti declined further comment.

Higueros remains in San Luis Obispo County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail.

The District Attorney’s Office had not filed formal charges against Higueros as of Tuesday, and the Sheriff’s Office declined to provide further details as the investigation continues.

This story was originally published September 2, 2014 at 12:06 PM with the headline "Cayucos firefighter arrested on suspicion of rape."