A 13-year-old Florida girl narrowly escaped an alleged kidnapping attempt outside a gas station after a man grabbed her from behind and tried to force her away, according to police.
The frightening encounter unfolded around 5:34 p.m. Monday, October 19, at a Shell gas station in Miramar, approximately 20 miles north of Miami.
Surveillance footage captured the incident, showing a man approaching the teenager before wrapping an arm around her neck and attempting to lead her away from the business.
The girl managed to break free and flee to safety with help from a nearby witness, who immediately contacted police.
Investigators identified the suspect as Michael Polanco, 32, of Davie, Florida, who was arrested shortly afterward.
According to Miramar Police Chief Delrish Moss, the teenager had been walking home when the stranger suddenly approached her near the gas station on South State Road 7.
The man allegedly grabbed the girl and placed her in a headlock while attempting to move her away from the public area.
The teenager began screaming and struggling to escape, attracting the attention of someone working at a nearby auto repair shop.
The witness intervened, shouting at the suspect and helping create an opportunity for the girl to get away.
Surveillance video shows the teenager breaking free before rushing toward the gas station.
The witness subsequently called 911 while the suspect fled.
Police said officers responding to the incident received a separate report about another disturbance involving a man matching the suspect’s description.
Investigators quickly located Polanco nearby and detained him for questioning.
Both the girl and the witness positively identified him as the person involved in the attempted abduction, authorities said.
Polanco was arrested and transported to the Broward County Main Jail.
He faces charges of kidnapping involving bodily harm or terrorizing a victim and battery causing bodily harm.
During a court appearance Tuesday, October 20, a Broward County judge ordered Polanco held without bond.
Police also revealed that the suspect had an extensive criminal history involving previous offenses such as battery, burglary and indecent exposure.
Chief Moss said investigators were particularly concerned about the suspect’s previous criminal conduct, although authorities have not established a motive for the alleged kidnapping attempt.
The police chief also praised the teenager for her quick response and determination to escape.
He emphasized that the girl did exactly what authorities encourage children to do when confronted by someone attempting to take them against their will: draw attention, resist and seek immediate assistance.
The witness who intervened also received praise for recognizing the danger and acting quickly.
The surveillance footage has since circulated through South Florida news outlets, drawing attention to how suddenly the encounter unfolded in a busy public area.
For parents, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of discussing personal safety with children, particularly when they are walking alone or traveling between school, home and nearby businesses.
Safety experts recommend that children who feel threatened move toward populated areas, call for help and contact a trusted adult or law enforcement as soon as possible.
The teenager’s identity has not been publicly released because she is a minor.
Police have not disclosed whether she required medical treatment following the incident.
The Miramar Police Department is continuing its investigation and has not announced whether additional charges will be filed.
Polanco remains in custody as the case proceeds through the court system. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
POLICE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN HIM TO A NEAR BY SWAMP INFESTED WIT ALLIGATORS AND DROPPED HIM IN!!! CASE CLOSED, JUSTICE SERVED!