An attempted kidnapping was caught on camera, showing a Florida man who wanted to abduct a store employee after reportedly robbing her workplace. The employee narrowly escaped her captor after fighting him off when he tried to force his vehicle in St. Augustine.
Reports identified the abductor as 31-year-old Michael Tundidor. He was arrested after his kidnapping attempt when officers intercepted him later that day. According to the surveillance footage and police reports, on June 29, Tundidor robbed a store around 2:30 p.m. and dragged a female employee from the business. He brought her outside to the parking lot, where a grey pickup truck was parked.
The screaming woman was held in a headlock until they arrived at the truck, and he opened the door. He attempted to shove her inside, a struggle ensued, and she managed to fight him off and run. The surveillance footage, released by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, continued with Tundidor chasing the store employee.
Reports citing the police said that a passerby was alerted by the woman’s screams and quickly intervened. The passerby promptly dialled 911, prompting Tundidor to escape the area.
Police say they were called to the scene about 3:30 p.m. Later that day, Florida Fish and Wildlife officers became aware of a man recklessly driving on A1A close to Marineland and identified him as Tundidor. The suspect attempted to evade police, but he was intercepted and arrested. Tundidor has since been hit with a slew of charges, including kidnapping, robbery, grand theft auto, driving under the influence, and eluding law enforcement.
Fortunately, the woman was uninjured, and neither the passerby nor the officers were harmed during the encounter. There were also no reports of Tundidor using a weapon during the robbery. The situation is being investigated, and the motive behind the attempted kidnapping remains unclear.
