A woman who police say was kidnapped and assaulted inside a St. Petersburg home was pulled to safety Sunday after officers forced their way through the door, according to an arrest affidavit. Witnesses told investigators the suspect grabbed the woman, slammed her to the ground and carried her inside before officers arrived. Police say the man was arrested at the scene after refusing commands, being tased and then taken into custody.
According to WFTS Tampa Bay 28, a Pinellas County arrest affidavit identifies the suspect as 36-year-old Michael Warren. Multiple witnesses reportedly saw him push the victim and her girlfriend against a vehicle in an alley behind the home, pull the victim’s hair, pick her up, slam her to the ground and then carry her inside. The affidavit says officers arriving at the scene could hear the victim crying but got no answer at the door, so they forced their way in. It adds that Warren refused verbal commands, tried to retreat into a bathroom and was subdued with a stun device before officers took him into custody.
Why Officers Say They Went In Without a Warrant
Florida law allows limited exceptions to the usual warrant requirement when officers are confronting an immediate threat to safety, including what courts call the emergency-aid and hot-pursuit doctrines. Judges look at the totality of the circumstances when reviewing those split-second calls. The Florida Supreme Court has said officers must be able to point to a grave emergency that makes a warrantless entry imperative. The St. Petersburg Police Department directs officers to use their judgment within department policy when facing urgent threats and to document steps taken to assist victims.
Arrest and Charges
The affidavit says the victim suffered bruising to her upper left shoulder and the right side of her lower back. Warren was arrested and charged with kidnapping, domestic battery and resisting an officer without violence. WFTS Tampa Bay 28 reports officers used a stun device before taking him into custody. The article does not list bond or any upcoming court dates.
What Happens Next
Criminal filings, arraignment dates and charging documents in Pinellas County cases are posted through the clerk of court’s public portal. The Pinellas County Clerk’s office maintains an online case search where updates should appear as the case moves forward. Victim resources and reporting information are available through the police department for anyone directly affected.
