An attempted kidnapping and robbery in St. Augustine was thwarted by a quick-thinking victim and an alert citizen, leading to the arrest of the suspect. The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJSO) reported that on Sunday, June 29, 2025, around 3:30 pm, Theodore Michael Tundidor, a 31-year-old male, assaulted a female employee at a local business on SR 206 East. He then dragged her out of the store in an attempt to force her into his vehicle. According to SJSO's social media post, the victim successfully fought off her attacker and drew the attention of a nearby citizen, who intervened and notified the authorities.
The suspect fled the scene but was later spotted by Florida Fish and Wildlife Officers driving recklessly near Marineland on A1A. After a brief pursuit, Tundidor was apprehended. He faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, robbery, and grand theft auto. Additional charges for driving under the influence and fleeing and eluding law enforcement were levied by FWC. The SJSO emphasized that "the victim in this situation did everything right – scream/yell, fight, attract attention."
Following the incident, the SJSO took the opportunity to share safety advice from their Women Against Violent Encounters (WAVE) initiative. WAVE's instructors recommend staying vigilant about one's environment, understanding the "Danger Zone" of personal space, trusting instincts, creating distance when feeling threatened, mental rehearsal for worst-case scenarios, and maintaining a proactive attitude for safety. These guidelines aim to educate women on threat awareness and offer basic self-defense techniques to counteract potential threats.
The Women Against Violent Encounters program, spearheaded by female law enforcement officers, is an essential part of the SJSO's community outreach, providing critical training to help women prepare for and respond to safety risks. "Attitude, mental commitment, and preparation are keys to success," reads advice from the SJSO post.
