Police say a 13-year-old girl escaped after a man allegedly grabbed her by the neck and tried to abduct her outside a Florida gas station, where the incident was captured on surveillance video.
Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old Michael Polanco, who allegedly approached the girl Monday in broad daylight at a Shell station in Miramar, roughly 20 miles from Miami.
The disturbing footage shows Polanco wearing a vivid orange bicycle helmet, a blue waist pack, a tan shirt and dark shorts as he walked toward the teenager.
He appeared to point toward a scooter in the parking lot before placing an arm around the girl’s neck and leading her toward another part of the property.
The girl quickly recognized that something was wrong and managed to break free as Polanco attempted to pull her away, according to the video.
She ran from the suspect while he threw a piece of pink fabric in her direction and left the area. Police have not said whether the girl suffered any injuries.
A witness working at a nearby auto repair shop told police he saw Polanco seize the child, who appeared close to tears, NBC 6 reported.
After the witness shouted at Polanco, the girl ran into the gas station and called 911, according to reports.
Police say Michael Polanco, 32, approached the girl at a Miramar Shell station in broad daylight and attempted to abduct her
Surveillance footage shows Polanco placing an arm around the teenager’s neck and leading her toward another section of the parking lot
Additional witnesses told investigators they heard Polanco make unsettling remarks during the encounter.
According to dispatcher audio cited by WSVN, the girl said the suspect told her to give him “some kisses.”
Polanco faces multiple charges, including battery causing bodily harm and kidnapping or inflicting bodily harm upon or terrorizing the victim
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“The kid fought, broke free, ran into the gas station, made all the noise she could, drew attention to the situation and then people were able to call for help,” Miramar Police Chief Delrish Moss said.
“Why he came here, I don’t know, but we’re glad he was captured before he was able to do something much more sinister.”
The Miramar Police Department later located Polanco after receiving a report about a man matching his description who was involved in another disturbance nearby, officials said.
Officers arrested him after the witness and the girl positively identified him as the person involved in the incident.
He faces several charges, including battery causing bodily harm and kidnapping or inflicting bodily harm upon or terrorizing the victim.
Police found Polanco after reports surfaced of a man matching his description being involved in a separate disturbance in the area
A judge denied his bond on Tuesday during a court hearing.
This is not Polanco’s first run-in with the law, as he has an extensive criminal history, the police department shared.
He’s previously committed robbery, sudden snatching, burglary with assault, trespassing, felony battery, exposure of sexual organs, and more.
An attorney for Polanco has not been listed.
His case is pending trial, according to arrest records.
Our News Outlet contacted the Miramar Police Department for comment.
