Highway-Dump Victim Knew Her Attackers

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with an attack that left a woman beaten and naked alongside a San Diego highway Thursday evening, said San Diego Police.

Catherine R. McCoy, 47, and Christopher R. Carrera, 32, were taken into custody and charged with abducting, beating and assaulting a 21-year-old female.

Police said they dumped the victim on southbound state Route 125, just south of state Route 54, in Spring Valley at about 8:30 p.m.

McCoy and Carrea attacked the victim an hour before dumping her, said SDPD Lieutenant Rudy Tai in a media release.

The suspects reportedly attacked the victim as she walked to a residence in the Azalea, Hollywood Park, area around 7:30 p.m.

The two suspects kicked and punched the victim before forcing her into a white SUV, Tai said.

As Carrera drove the vehicle, the female suspect, McCoy, allegedly beat and sexually assaulted the victim, threatening to kill her.

Carrera stopped the SUV on state Route 125, at which point he pulled the victim out of the vehicle by her hair, before punching her in the face and kicking her, Tai said.

McCoy and Carrera fled the scene inside the SUV as the victim began waving to motorists for help.

Several drivers pulled over to assist the woman, who reportedly told civilians she was assaulted in City Heights and then dumped on the interstate.

Civilians described the woman as hysterical and though she didn’t give many details, Tai said she knew her attackers.

Police have yet to release the woman’s name.

Carrera was later arrested in Chula Vista without incident and McCoy was taken into custody a short time later during a traffic stop in Talmaldge.

Both suspects were booked into county jail and face multiple charges including attempted first degree murder and kidnapping.

"It's not being looked at as a random act," Lt. Andra Brown said in an interview Friday. "I don't want people to think there's some predator that's out there randomly snatching women up off the street, beating them and leaving them on the side of the road."

Brown added that the victim, who is recovering at Mercy Hospital, was "beaten, pretty severely."

San Diego Police have since taken over the investigation to try and figure out exactly what happened, Brown said.

Due to the severity of the woman’s injuries, they have not yet been able to formally interview her.