Local
Miramar man held without bond after alleged attempt to abduct 13-year-old
A witness told 911 that a man had tried to grab a girl outside a Miramar gas station and fled on a scooter. Police say the teen escaped and arrested 32-year-old Michael Polanco, who faces kidnapping and battery charges.
A 13-year-old girl escaped after a man allegedly grabbed her outside a Miramar gas station Monday evening, according to police and a witness’s 911 call. The suspect, 32-year-old Michael Polanco, was arrested and a judge denied him bond Tuesday, police said.
The incident happened around 5:34 p.m. at the Shell station at 2840 South State Road 7. In the call, made about two minutes after the encounter, a witness told the dispatcher that a man had tried to grab a child and left on a scooter. The caller said the girl was inside the station and did not appear injured. The dispatcher told them to remain inside until officers arrived.
The witness later told NBC6 that Polanco grabbed the teen around her neck. Surveillance video showed the girl breaking free and running away, according to the report. During the 911 call, the witness spoke with the girl and relayed information to the dispatcher.
Polanco faces charges of battery causing bodily harm and kidnapping involving bodily harm or terrorizing the victim. Police said he has prior convictions for felony battery and burglary with assault, as well as previous narcotics and indecent-exposure offenses. The charges are allegations; the case will proceed through the court system.