Sunday morning outside a Port St. Lucie church turned frightening when, according to police, a North Miami man tried to force a 74-year-old woman into his car in the parking lot of First United Methodist Church. Authorities say witnesses jumped in, the woman managed to escape, and the suspect took off. He was later arrested and is now being held on bond while investigators sort through the case.
Surveillance Footage and the Victim's Account
Church surveillance video captured part of the encounter and, police say, showed the man pressing an object against the woman as he began pulling her toward his car. The victim told officers she had obtained an injunction against the suspect in March after a prior relationship, according to NBC6.
Arrest, Timeline and Charges
Port St. Lucie police say the attempted abduction unfolded around 10:49 a.m. in the church parking lot, where two Good Samaritans confronted the suspect before he fled. With help from U.S. Marshals, officers later tracked him to a Hialeah residence and arrested him Sunday evening. He faces multiple felony counts and was being held at the St. Lucie County Jail on a $745,000 bond, as reported by WPTV.
Legal Implications
Police identified the suspect as 64-year-old Jose Tsu Zamora, and investigators say he is a convicted felon, an allegation that would heighten his legal exposure if prosecutors can prove he possessed a firearm, according to NBC6. Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 790.23), it is unlawful for felons to possess firearms and such violations may be charged as felonies, per the Florida Legislature's online statutes.
Church and Next Steps
First United Methodist Church on SW Prima Vista Boulevard was the scene of the incident, and church leaders did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Port St. Lucie police continue to investigate, and anyone with information has been encouraged to contact the department, as noted by WPTV.
