Man tries to drag woman into pickup truck in terrifying scene before quick thinking sends him fleeing

Sky News AU

6 days ago

A Florida woman frantically fought off a creep who tried to drag her into his pickup truck after allegedly pulling off a heist — with the bone-chilling scuffle caught on newly released surveillance video.
The drama unfounded about 3:30 p.m. on June 29 outside a St. Augustine retail store, where accused would-be kidnapper Theodore Michael Tundidor, 31, is seen choking the screaming woman and pulling her toward his Toyota Tacoma truck, footage released by the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office shows.
The intended victim, who was not identified, is seen yelling for help as her assailant drags her to his truck, where the woman pushes back and is able to finally break free and run away.
The sheriff's office said a bystander saw the foiled abduction and came to the woman's aid, then called 911, forcing the thug to hop into the truck and take off.
Officers from Florida Fish and Wildlife later spotted the pickup truck 'driving recklessly' on Route A1A, with Tundidor taken into custody after a high-speed chase, the sheriff's office said.
Tundidor allegedly robbed a business at the scene and forced the woman into the parking lot, authorities said.
He was charged with kidnapping, robbery and grand theft auto, authorities said.
'The victim in this situation did everything right — scream/yell, fight, attract attention,' police said
According to the department's Women Against Violent Encounters instructors, potential victims should always be aware of their surroundings, know your 'danger zone' where strangers can be a threat, and always trust your instincts and experience.
'Attitude, mental commitment and preparation are keys to success,' the sheriff's office said.
Originally published as Man tries to drag woman into pickup truck in terrifying scene before quick thinking sends him fleeing