Local
Miramar teen escapes abduction attempt at Shell station; suspect held without bond
Police say a 13-year-old broke free after a man grabbed her at a Miramar gas station Monday evening. A judge denied bond for the suspect, Michael Polanco, on Tuesday.
A 13-year-old escaped an attempted kidnapping Monday evening at a Shell station in Miramar after a man grabbed her, police said. The girl ran into the station, where a witness called 911, and the suspect was arrested.
Miramar police identified the suspect as 32-year-old Michael Polanco. The incident happened at about 5:34 p.m. at the Shell station at 2840 South State Road 7.
Surveillance footage captured the encounter. A witness who works at a nearby auto shop said the man grabbed the teen around the neck and that she appeared close to tears. Police said the girl broke free and ran away.
Polanco faces charges of battery causing bodily harm and kidnapping by inflicting bodily harm on or terrorizing the victim. A judge denied him bond Tuesday. Police said he has a record of violent offenses, including felony battery and burglary with assault; those prior offenses are allegations or convictions as reflected in his record, and the current charges remain accusations.