Man Arrested for Attempted Kidnapping of Teenager in Florida

A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an attempted kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl outside a Florida gas station, police reported. The incident occurred on Monday in broad daylight at a Shell station in Miramar, a city approximately 20 miles west of Miami.

Surveillance footage shows Michael Polanco, wearing an orange bicycle helmet and a blue fanny pack, approaching the girl. He appeared to gesture toward a scooter in the parking lot before placing his arm around her neck and leading her to another area. The girl managed to break free from his grasp, and the video shows her running away as Polanco threw a pink fabric at her before fleeing the scene.

A witness working at a nearby auto shop told NBC 6 that he saw Polanco grab the child and that she appeared distressed. The witness stated he yelled at Polanco, prompting the girl to run into the gas station, where she called 911. "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."

Dispatcher audio indicated that Polanco made disturbing comments to the girl, including asking her for kisses, according to WSVN.

Police apprehended Polanco after receiving a report of a man matching his description involved in another disturbance in the area. Both the witness and the victim positively identified Polanco, leading to his arrest. He faces multiple charges, including battery, causing bodily harm, and kidnapping with the intent to inflict bodily harm or terrorize the victim.

A judge denied Polanco bond on Tuesday. Authorities stated that Polanco has an extensive criminal history, including prior arrests for robbery, burglary with assault, felony battery, and exposure of sexual organs, among other offenses.

An attorney for Polanco has not yet been listed, and his case is pending trial. The Miramar Police Department has been contacted for further comment.