SAN DIEGO (CNS) - A man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting two women in Ocean Beach over a seven-month period must stand trial on multiple felony charges, a judge ruled Friday.
Richard Christopher Butts, 26, was charged in March with one count each of kidnapping with intent to commit a sexual assault, forced oral copulation and assault with intent to commit a sexual offense.
Authorities said Butts allegedly sexually assaulted a 26-year-old woman as she walked home from a friend's house.
A month later, Butts was charged with kidnapping and forcibly raping a second woman about 2:30 a.m. on Aug. 25, 2012. The attack happened close to where the March 24, 2013, sexual assault occurred.
The victim in the August 2012 attack testified during a preliminary hearing Friday that she was jumped from behind on Muir Avenue as she walked toward her boyfriend's house, punched twice and dragged down a driveway and into a backyard, where her assailant tried to rape her.
The woman -- also 26 -- said the attacker pulled her hooded sweatshirt over her head, so she didn't get a good look at him.
She said the attack continued until the assailant heard something, jumped up and ran off.
James Delmar, who lived next door, testified that he was awakened by loud voices and a commotion.
The witness said he saw a male figure dragging a woman down the driveway, then heard her screaming loudly.
Delmar said the woman was screaming, "Please stop! Don't do this! Let me go," and the assailant responded with "Shut the (expletive) up, bitch."
Delmar said the man was breathing heavily and could have been choking the victim during the assault.
Deputy District Attorney Wendy Patrick said the attack in March of this year happened about 10:15 p.m. as the victim tried to make her way home after dinner at a friend's house.
A 911 caller reported the woman screaming for help near Bacon and Voltaire streets. When witnesses ran to her aid, the assailant bolted toward Robb Field, San Diego police Detective Gary Hassen said. Patrol officers found him near the park a short time later and arrested him.
After Friday's preliminary hearing, Judge David Gill ruled that enough evidence was presented for Butts to stand trial Dec. 13. A readiness conference is set for Nov. 6.