‘Pure terror’: Woman recalls brutal attack outside her condo that left her partially blind

MIAMI (WSVN) - A woman who was attacked in an apparent random fit of rage while walking her dog in downtown Miami is sharing her story about the beating and stabbing that left her partially blind.

Caitlin Dydzuhn’s nightmare unfolded on the morning of May 19 while she was walking her dog just outside of the MarinaBlue condominiums, where she lived.

“It was pure terror,” Dydzuhn said. “The most terrifying feeling to feel helpless and to be screaming on the ground, and no one’s coming to help you.”

Miami Police said a homeless man, later identified as 49-year-old Raydean Johnson, whom the victim walked past decided to attack her for no reason. Investigators said the suspect punched Dydzuhn and slammed her head into the ground repeatedly. He also allegedly stabbed her with a homemade shank.

Dydzuhn believed she was going to die as it all happened.

“‘He is going to kill me, whether it’s this next punch, whether it’s the one after,’” she said.

She credited a good Samaritan who rushed to her aide with fighting off the attacker.

Although she’s now out of the hospital and on the mend, Dydzuhn suffered wounds all over her face and was left partially blind in one eye. She said she also still re-lives the horrors of the attack every night.

“When I’m trying to fall asleep at night, that’s what keeps me up. It’s that memory of fighting for my life and knowing that I’m losing,” she said.

Police took Johnson into custody after a three-hour standoff that ended with officers deploying a Taser to bring the suspect down. Authorities said he admitted to the attack at some point during the standoff.

The attack also raised several questions about the security provided by Dydzuhn’s luxury condo.

Prominent trial attorney Judd Rosen argues condo security staff should have been monitoring the surrounding areas. He said the cameras were blocked by bushes and shrubbery.

“In her own front yard? Where was the security?” Rosen said. “It’s an absolute horror movie.”

Rosen believes the condo’s security lapses prevented them from spotting Johnson, an individual with a violent criminal past who was known to the area, lingering around the entrance.

“He was a known problem with a known history,” the attorney said. “The building has an obligation to protect and warn against known threats.”

Dydzuhn stepped forward to share her pain in hopes that it helps prevent others from being attacked, especially right outside of their own homes.

“No one should have to live in fear of walking their dog, exercising in their own neighborhood, being a part of their community,” she said.

Johnson faces several charges, including attempted felony murder. He is being held without bond.