Crime & Safety
Woman Fought Off Suspected Kidnapper, Thief: FL Authorities
Video shows a female staff member fighting off a man, suspected of robbing a Florida business, in a kidnapping attempt, authorities say.
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL — Authorities recently released graphic video they say shows a woman fighting against a suspected kidnapper Sunday at a State Route 206 East business.
The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office released the surveillance video via Facebook.
A 911 caller told authorities that a man was attempting to force a woman inside a vehicle around 3:30 p.m., the sheriff's office said.
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The man, who authorities identified as 31-year-old Theodore Michael Tundidor, was accused of first robbing the business before "forcefully" taking a female staffer from the store.
Authorities said Tundidor then dragged the woman outside and began to push her into his vehicle.
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The surveillance video appears to show the woman screaming and fighting back, including running away from the pickup truck.
"The victim fought her attacker and attracted the attention of a nearby citizen who came to her aid and called SJSO as the suspect abandoned his kidnapping attempt and fled," authorities said in a news release.
Florida Fish and Wildlife officers found Tundidor driving "recklessly" near Marineland on A1A, authorities said. Tundidor tried to flee from the officers but was ultimately captured, authorities said.
He was arrested on charges of kidnapping, robbery and grand theft auto. The FWC added charges of driving under the influence and fleeing and eluding law enforcement, authorities said.
"The victim in this situation did everything right-scream/yell, fight (and) attract attention," authorities said.
The sheriff's office shared safety tips from SJSO Women Against Violent Encounters instructors:
- Observe and be aware of surroundings and people.
- Know your “Danger Zone”, the distance between people that can jeopardize personal safety.
- Trust your instincts and life experiences. If you think something is wrong, it usually is.
- Get away and create distance.
- Prepare for worst case scenario-mental rehearsal-learn from examples (like this incident).
- Attitude, mental commitment and preparation are keys to success.
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