Davenport Publix Grab Caught On Video Sheriff Seeks Tips

Authorities say a 13-year-old girl was grabbed by an unknown man while she shopped at a Publix in Davenport on Monday around 9:20 a.m. Surveillance footage later released to the public shows the girl yanking her arm free and sprinting away after the man grabs her. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says investigators are treating the case as a battery and have pushed out images from the video in hopes of putting a name to the suspect’s face.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office posted a short surveillance clip to X that, officials say, captures the man edging closer to the girl as they stand in line, then reaching out and grabbing her right arm. In the post, Sheriff Grady Judd described the suspect as a white male who left the scene in a silver Toyota Prius and noted that investigators have opened case number 26-29053. As shared by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, detectives are urging anyone with information to speak up.

How to share what you know

According to Heartland Crime Stoppers, anyone with information can call 1-888-400-TIPS (8477), submit an anonymous tip through the P3Tips app, or use the organization’s website to send in a report. Tips may be eligible for a cash reward and will be forwarded to local investigators for follow-up. Residents who recognize the vehicle or the man in the clip are asked to check home or dashcam footage from that morning.

Investigation details

Per Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Detective Hector Melendez is handling tips at (863) 236-3900 and [email protected]. The agency asks callers and emailers to reference case number 26-29053. The sheriff’s post notes that no arrests have been announced so far, and investigators say releasing the footage publicly is meant to speed up the identification and arrest process. Anyone with relevant video from Monday morning in the Champions Drive area is asked to contact Crime Stoppers or the sheriff’s office directly.