A 32-year-old Florida man is in custody following a harrowing attempted kidnapping that was captured on surveillance video outside a Miami-area gas station last Monday.
Michael Polanco was arrested by Miramar Police after a disturbing encounter involving a 13-year-old girl. According to surveillance footage from a Shell gas station, Polanco—who was wearing an orange helmet—approached the teenager as she walked toward the business. The video shows him placing his arm around the girl and forcibly leading her away. As he attempted to further restrain her, the girl managed to break free and escape into the safety of the gas station.
A witness who contacted 911 described the suspect as grabbing the teenager by the neck, noting that the young girl appeared visibly shaken and was on the verge of tears. In the audio from the 911 call, the witness told dispatchers that the suspect fled the scene on a scooter after the girl escaped. The caller was able to provide police with a detailed description of the man, which proved crucial for law enforcement.
Miramar Police stated that officers located Polanco in the vicinity shortly after the incident, following reports of another separate disturbance. Both the 13-year-old victim and the witness were able to positively identify him as the perpetrator.
Polanco, who is currently being held at the Broward County Main Jail, faces serious felony charges, including kidnapping with the intent to inflict bodily harm or terrorize, as well as battery causing bodily harm. A judge denied him bond during his initial court appearance last Tuesday.
Authorities revealed that the suspect has an extensive criminal history. Records indicate prior charges for violent offenses, including burglary with assault, robbery, felony battery, and criminal mischief.
The incident has sparked alarm in the community, though local police confirmed the young victim was not physically injured during the attempted abduction. Investigation into the matter is ongoing, and police are continuing to process the evidence gathered from the scene, including the clear security footage that helped lead to the swift apprehension of the suspect.
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