Man arrested over attempt to abduct girl outside Florida gas station

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 00:44 · Archive

A man tried to abduct a 13-year-old girl outside a Shell gas station in Miramar, Florida on Monday, grabbing her by the neck before she escaped.

Michael Polanco, 32, attempted to kidnap a 13-year-old girl on Monday afternoon outside a Shell gas station in Miramar, about 20 miles outside Miami, according to police. Surveillance footage showed Polanco, wearing an orange bicycle helmet, blue fanny pack, tan T-shirt and dark shorts, approaching the girl in the parking lot. He pointed towards what appeared to be a scooter before wrapping his arm around her neck and walking her to another area.

The girl realised something was wrong and escaped his grip. As she ran away, Polanco threw a piece of pink fabric at her and fled the scene. A witness working at a nearby auto shop saw Polanco grab the child, who appeared distressed, and yelled at him. The girl then ran into the gas station and called 911.

Witnesses told police that Polanco made disturbing comments to the girl during the incident. The dispatcher audio indicated he told her to give him kisses. It is unclear whether the girl was injured in the attempted abduction.

How it is being reported

• Surveillance video captures kidnapping attempt of 13-year-old girl in FloridaSurveillance video captured the moment a Florida man attempted to kidnap a young girl in a gas station parking lot before she broke free, authorities said. The 13-year-old can be seen walking home when a man in biking gear approaches her.CBS News · 22 Oct, 00:28
• Stranger filmed trying to abduct girl, 13, outside gas station after grabbing her by her neckMichael Polanco, 32, tried to kidnap a 13-year-old girl in broad daylight on Monday outside of a Shell gas station in Miramar Florida, and the moment was captured on camera, police said.Daily Mail · 21 Oct, 23:03

In this story: Michael Polanco · Miramar · Miami · Florida

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