CLEARLAKE, Calif. – On Monday Clearlake Police officers arrested a local man who is alleged to have raped a female acquaintance over the weekend.

Eric Jeff Vangelder, 49, of Clearlake, was arrested early Monday morning, according to a report from Sgt. Nick Bennett.

Bennett said that at approximately 6:15 p.m. Sunday a Clearlake woman reported to police that she had been raped by an acquaintance, who was known to her by the name of “Eric.”

An investigation by Sgt. Dominic Ramirez and Officer Chris Reagan revealed the alleged victim and “Eric” had been with mutual friends the night before and were drinking alcohol, Bennett said.

On Sunday the alleged victim and the suspect were hanging out when she decided to go to bed because she was feeling the effects of the alcohol from the night before. Bennett said the woman reported awakening to find the suspect on top of her, having intercourse with her.

Ramirez and Reagan determined through their investigation and interviews that the suspect was possibly Vangelder, however, Bennett said they initially were unable to find him.

Then, at 12:55 a.m. Monday Officer Bobi Thompson located Vangelder while investigating a suspicious vehicle in the 7000 block of Old Highway 53. Bennett said Vangelder was taken into custody without incident.

Vangelder was booked into the Lake County Jail for felony rape of a drugged victim and misdemeanor possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, Bennett said.

Vangelder's bail was set at $50,000, according to jail records.

Anyone with any further information on this case is asked to contact Det. Ryan Peterson at 707-994-8251.