Latest news with #FloridaFishandWildlife
News18
17-07-2025
- News18
Man Tries To Abduct Florida Woman In Broad Daylight, Then Suddenly Flees
Last Updated: The man was arrested and charged with kidnapping, robbery, and grand theft auto. A terrifying incident caught on camera in Florida has left many shocked, as disturbing footage shows a man attempting to drag a woman towards his Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. The suspect, later identified as Theodore Michael Tundidor, is seen forcibly pulling the woman in broad daylight. According to the surveillance video, released by the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, the incident took place at around 3:30 pm local time on June 29 outside a retail store. The woman, who has not been identified, can be seen screaming for help as her would-be kidnapper tries to abduct her. After struggling for some time, the woman receives help from a bystander who calls 911 for police intervention. However, as soon as the suspect realises that he could be arrested for the incident, he flees the scene within moments. The Post states that the man was arrested and charged with kidnapping, robbery, and grand theft auto. He allegedly attempted to commit a robbery at the St Augustine retail store, before forcing a female employee outside and dragging her towards his pickup truck. The woman did not give up and continued crying and shouting in the hope of getting assistance from passers-by. As per police, 'The victim in this situation did everything right — scream/yell, fight, attract attention." Realising the consequences of the 911 call, the suspect managed to flee the scene before the St. Johns County Sheriff's team arrived. However, his pickup truck was spotted by officers while he was driving recklessly on Route A1A. The Florida Fish and Wildlife officers took Theodore into custody in the case. However, it was not easy, and the sheriff's office recalled arresting him after a high-speed chase. The Florida Fish and Wildlife added additional charges against Theodore, claiming that he attempted to evade law enforcement and was driving under the influence. Further details on the investigation are still awaited. The woman has been praised for her quick thinking and response during the attempted kidnapping. Authorities commended her for acting swiftly and attracting the attention of a bystander who ultimately helped her. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Chilling moment man drags woman into truck as police issue urgent warning
A terrified woman bravely fought off a attacker who tried to kidnap her after a robbery, and it was all caught on chilling surveillance footage released by authorities A woman bravely fought off a man who tried to drag her into his pickup truck following an alleged robbery - and it was all captured on chilling surveillance footage. The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. on June 29 outside a shop. The recording appears to show suspect, 31-year-old Theodore Michael Tundidor, grabbing the woman by the neck and pulling her toward his Toyota Tacoma, while she screams and struggles to escape. Despite his grip, the woman manages to push back, break free, and run away, shouting for help. A nearby bystander witnessed the attempted kidnapping, rushed to assist her, and called 911. The suspect jumped into his truck and fled the scene. Later, officers from Florida Fish and Wildlife spotted Tundidor allegedly driving recklessly along Route A1A in in St. Augustine, Florida, and apprehended him after a high-speed chase, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office. Authorities alleged that Tundidor had robbed a nearby business before forcing the woman into the car park. He now faces charges including kidnapping, robbery, and grand theft auto. Police praised the victim's quick thinking and determination. 'She did everything right - screamed, fought back, and drew attention,' the sheriff's office said. They also reminded the public of safety tips from their Women Against Violent Encounters program: Always stay aware of your surroundings, understand your 'danger zone' where strangers might pose a threat, and trust your instincts. 'Attitude, mental commitment, and preparation are keys to success,' officials emphasised. He was charged with kidnapping, robbery and grand theft auto. Earlier this month, a man was caught on camera as he seemingly attempted to kidnap a young boy in front of his horrified parents on a busy street late at night. The distressing incident was caught on camera on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York City. In the clip the alleged kidnapper, dressed all in black and wearing a hat, grabs the child, aged just six, and attempts to flee with him. Luckily, the helpless victim cries out as he's being carried off while being held in one arm by the shameless man. He then drops the poor youngster like a rag doll onto the hard pavement once he realises he's been rumbled. The footage then switches to the assailant being chased across a road in the popular entertainment area by the child's parents. Sharon Robinson, 41, spoke to the New York Post about the horrific moment her young son Rah'Shem 'Rah'Rah' Gantt was almost snatched. "I see this man holding my son like a football, a complete stranger. If Rah'Rah hadn't made that loud scream, that man would have taken him and done whatever he wanted to do with him, maybe take him under the boardwalk and rape him and kill him.' A man named as Jonathan Robalino, 36, was charged with assault and attempted kidnapping after allegedly grabbing Rah'Shem just before 10pm near the corner of Stillwell and Surf avenues.
Sky News AU
17-07-2025
- Sky News AU
Man tries to drag woman into pickup truck in terrifying scene before quick thinking sends him fleeing
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
New York Post
16-07-2025
- New York Post
Creep spotted trying to drag woman into pickup truck, but quick thinking sends him fleeing
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. 4 Shocking video shows a robber dragging a woman to his pickup truck in St. Augustine on June 29, police said. St. Johns County Sheriff's Office 4 The unidentified woman screams for help as her assailant tries to drag her into his Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. St. Johns County Sheriff's Office 4 The woman breaks free and is helped by a bystander, who then calls 911 as the goon flees the scene. St. Johns County Sheriff's Office 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. 4 Theodore Michael Tundidor, 31, was charged with kidnapping, robbery and grand theft auto in the incident. St. Johns County Sheriff's Office 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.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Yahoo
New details on fatal alligator attack: Gator slammed canoe, grabbed woman
New information is being released about a gruesome alligator attack in Florida last month that left a woman dead. A massive alligator knocked over a canoe with a married couple aboard, killing the wife after snatching her and dragging her under fresh water in Central Florida, state officials said. The attack took place near the mouth of Tiger Creek near Lake Kissimmee in Polk County. "An 11-foot, 4-inch alligator bit the woman and pulled her underwater," Hailee Seely, spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) southwest region, told USA TODAY June 26. The May 6 attack killed Cynthia Diekema, 61, of Polk County and part of the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area. Here's what officials said took place the day of the attack including information from a newly obtained preliminary report. Single lighting bolt hits 20 people: Nearly 2 dozen struck by 1 bolt at South Carolina beach Just after 4 p.m. local time on May 6, FWC officers and Polk County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a reported alligator incident involving people in the creek. Investigators said a preliminary investigation found the victim was canoeing with her husband when they "encountered an alligator causing both individuals to fall into the water." The wife "was immediately bitten on the torso, and efforts by her husband to assist her were unsuccessful," according to a preliminary FWC report obtained by KETV. USA TODAY has requested the report. "The alligator performed a death roll and swam away with the victim," according to Seely who said the wife's body was later found and recovered. A state-contracted nuisance alligator trapper arrived, captured the alligator responsible for the attack and it was 'dispatched,' officials said, meaning it was killed The attack remained under investigation on June 26, officials said. Cynthia Diekeman is from Davenport, officials said. The city, also in Polk County, is part of the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area. "She radiated her inner and outer beauty in all she did and had unconditional love for everyone," her obituary reads. "She cherished her family and every moment and adventure they spent together." She leaves behind Dave, her husband of 41 years; her children, Jessica (Matt) Henry, and Megan (Casey) Straka; 2 grandchildren, Elena and Jack Henry. To reduce the chances of conflicts with alligators, the FWC recommends the following precautionary measures near the reptiles in or near water. Keep a safe distance if you see an alligator. Keep pets on a leash and away from the water's edge. Pets often resemble alligators' natural prey. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. If you swim, do so in designated areas during daylight hours. Do not swim with your pet. Do not feed an alligator. It's illegal and dangerous. People with concerns about an alligator are asked to call the FWC at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). Contributing: Lakeland Ledger, The Daytona Beach News-Journal Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@ and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alligator kills woman in canoe, swims away with body in Florida
