VALLEY CENTER–A man was arrested Friday morning for allegedly punching his girlfriend and her 9-year-old daughter during a domestic violence dispute in a vehicle, the Sheriff’s department said.
Deputies received a call for help from the victim, just before 11 a.m., in the 11700 block of Keys Creek Road in Valley Center.
Deputies said 40 year-old Raymond Rivera had strangled, punched, and slammed his 30 year-old girlfriend’s head against a van window while inside the vehicle. The victim’s 9 year-old daughter attempted to intervene and was also punched by Rivera.
Rivera got out of the van, grabbed a portable AC unit and attempted to throw it at the victim as she fled from the van. Rivera chased the victim around the van. Fearing a continued attack and while fleeing, the victim produced a pocket knife and stabbed Rivera in the buttocks in self-defense. This action provided sufficient time to flee on foot and call 911.
The victim and her daughter hid in a nearby 40 acre parcel, thick with chaparral brush. They were located with the assistance of the Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter.
Rivera attempted to flee on foot but was intercepted by a Valley Center Sheriff’s deputy.
Rivera was treated at the scene and then transported to Palomar Medical Center by Valley Center Fire Medics. The victim declined medical treatment.
Once cleared for booking, Rivera will be booked at the Vista Jail for assault with a deadly weapon and child abuse.
