Authorities in St. Johns County, Florida, are applauding the bravery of a local woman who managed to fight off a would-be kidnapper after he allegedly robbed the store where she worked, according to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO).
The terrifying incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on June 29 near a business located at 1054 SR 206 East in St. Augustine. Surveillance footage captured the woman kicking, screaming, and struggling against a man attempting to force her into a vehicle parked outside.
“Help! Get off of me!” the woman can be heard yelling as she fought back. The sheriff’s office said the suspect had just committed a robbery inside the store when he tried to abduct the woman by dragging her from the building. “A 911 caller advised a male subject was attempting to force a female inside a vehicle outside in the parking lot,” officials stated.
Despite the violent attempt, the woman was able to break free and is seen on video running away, while the suspect briefly chased her. Deputies were able to track down the alleged assailant—identified as 31-year-old Theodore Michael Tundidor—after spotting him driving recklessly near Marineland. He was quickly apprehended.
Tundidor now faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, robbery, grand theft auto, driving under the influence, and fleeing and eluding law enforcement. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office praised the woman’s actions in a social media post following the incident:
“The victim in this situation did everything right – scream/yell, fight, attract attention.” Video of the attempted abduction has since gone viral across social media platforms, drawing widespread praise from users who commended the woman’s courage and instincts.
“Thank GOD she was able to fight,” one user commented on TikTok. Another wrote: “NEVER get in the car. NEVER go to a second location. I’d rather die trying and they find my body there than never be seen again.” However, many online were also disturbed that no bystanders appeared to intervene despite the woman’s loud cries for help.
“She did everything right… But nobody heard her or helped,” one commenter noted. Another added, “HOW DOES NO ONE SEE OR HEAR THIS!?! She was so brave and did everything exactly right: scream, fight, run. God, that’s scary.”
Thanks to her determination and quick thinking, the woman escaped without being taken, and her case is now bringing renewed attention to self-defense awareness and bystander responsibility.