Local
Miramar teen escapes attempted abduction at gas station; suspect held without bond
A 13-year-old girl escaped after a man tried to lead her away from a Miramar gas station, police said. A witness called 911, and officers arrested the suspect nearby, according to the police chief.
A 13-year-old girl fought her way free when a man tried to lead her away from a Miramar gas station, and police arrested the suspect a few blocks away, authorities said.
Security footage from the station at 2840 S. State Road 7 shows Michael Polanco, 32, attempting to usher the girl away, police said. The girl resisted and ran toward other people for safety, prompting a witness to call 911.
“She put up a fight, she made a ruckus, she ran to people for safety,” Miramar Police Chief Delrish Moss said. He said the girl’s actions helped officers get a description of the suspect and catch him quickly.
Polanco appeared in Broward County court earlier in the week and was ordered held without bond. Authorities said his criminal history includes prior charges involving robbery, burglary, felony battery and disorderly conduct. The charges and allegations in the case have not been proven in court.