ENCINITAS, Calif. (KGTV) - Two people are now in custody in connection with the attempted kidnapping of an Encinitas teenager earlier this week.
Christopher White, 27, and Jeremiah Owens, 28, are facing charges of kidnapping with the intent to commit rape, false imprisonment, assault with the intent to commit rape, and conspiracy.
The San Diego Sheriff's Department (SDSO) said a witness reported a vehicle matching the suspected vehicle description involved in Wednesday's incident in the area of Summit Ave. and Verdi Ave. in the Cardiff neighborhood of Encinitas.
Deputies pulled the vehicle over and detained the driver, Christopher White, 27, for questioning.
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SDSO later confirmed White was arrested and that they believe him to be the subject of a suspect sketch released Thursday.
Detectives developed further leads that led them to 28-year-old Owens. Owens was taken into custody, without incident, by the Regional Fugitive Task Force at his home in Escondido at about 6:40 p.m.
Deputies said the victim was in the driveway of her Encinitas home waxing her surfboard late Wednesday when a man attacked her from behind, pinning her on the ground.
The suspect then started dragging the girl toward a blue pickup truck, where another man was waiting.
The girl was able to fight off her attacker and escape into her home, SDSO said. The two suspects fled the scene.
Sheriff Bill Gore praised the collaborative effort in the case.
"The response from the North Coastal Sheriff's Station, as well as help from the media in getting the information out and the public calling in tips, led to a quick arrest in this case," he said.
