Teen Tried To Kidnap Home Depot Customer: Hillsborough County Sheriff

RIVERVIEW, FL — A 16-year-old boy was arrested Friday after arming himself and trying to kidnap a customer at the Home Depot store at 10150 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

Though the teen has been named by the sheriff’s office, it’s Patch policy not to name minors unless they have been charged as an adult. It’s unknown whether he was charged as a juvenile or an adult.

He was charged with armed kidnapping, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful possession of the personal identification of another person, fraudulent use of a credit card over $100 and possession of a stolen credit card.

When he entered Home Depot, he tried to buy a Visa gift card using a stolen credit/debit card, the sheriff’s office said.

After several unsuccessful tries to complete the purchase, an employee offered to help, but the teen gave up and walked further into the store.

At that time, a woman who was shopping alone noticed the teen following her down several aisles. He approached her, telling her that “he was having a bad day” and showed her a saw blade, the sheriff’s office said.

He instructed her to follow him to the bathroom, telling her to “act like you know me” and “don’t ask for help,” while holding the blade and giving her directions, HCSO said.

He strategically guided her down an empty aisle to avoid other shoppers and store staff.

When they got to the aisle where the bathrooms are located, the victim noticed store employees behind her and customers near the bathroom.

She ran to safety and told several employees and customers about what happened. Multiple witnesses saw the teen run from the store and out of the Home Depot parking lot.

A witness spotted him not long after this at another store across the street, where he was arrested.

"I can't imagine what would lead such a young individual to commit this crime," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "We are in awe of the victim's quick and brave thinking. Her courage in a terrifying situation not only saved her life but also helped ensure this dangerous suspect was arrested. I am thankful for the actions of the store employees and customers who assisted in this situation; their willingness to speak up is commendable and exemplifies the strength of our community."