by Stacey Baca KNSD
 

VISTA - A man who came to visit a San Diego woman after the two met in an Internet chat room violently attacked and robbed her, authorities say.

The 43-year-old victim met the suspect three to four weeks ago and invited him to her home on Maryland Drive, said San Diego Sheriff’s Det. Todd Richardson.

"According to her, they had a nice weekend, did some sightseeing, got to know each other," Richardson said.

He said Wednesday the suspect suddenly grabbed the woman and started choking her. She passed out, but when she came to, the man hit her on the head with a hammer and she was left unconscious again, Richardson said.

The woman came to, finding herself bleeding heavily. When she realized the man was gone, she called 911.

Richardson said the man took her purse and other belongings before fleeing in her car. He was caught at Lindbergh Field on a plane bound for Portland, Oregon. The victim’s possessions were found in his carry-on bag and her car was in the airport parking lot, Richardson said.

The suspect was identified as Thomas Abney, 30. Investigators say he is a student on leave from the U.S. Navy pending a discharge.

He faces charges of attempted murder, auto theft, robbery, possession of stolen property. He is currently being held at Vista Jail.