Florida Man Accused of Trying to Kidnap 13-Year-Old Girl at Gas Station — Surveillance Video Captures the Encounter

A frightening incident in Miramar, Florida, has led to the arrest of a 32-year-old man accused of attempting to abduct a 13-year-old girl while she was walking home.

According to police, the incident happened on October 19, 2026, at a Shell gas station in the Miami-area community. Authorities allege that Michael Polanco approached the teenager, put his arm around her, and attempted to take her away.

The girl managed to break free and run inside the gas station, where she could seek help. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the encounter, while a witness also helped draw attention to the situation.

Police said officers later located Polanco nearby after responding to reports of another disturbance. Both the teenager and a witness reportedly identified him as the suspect.

Polanco was arrested and taken to the Broward County Main Jail. PEOPLE reported that he was charged with attempted kidnapping and was being held without bond. Other local reports listed additional charges, including battery and kidnapping-related offenses.

The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against Polanco have not been proven in court.

The incident highlights how quickly a routine walk home can become dangerous—and how important it is for witnesses to speak up and help someone in need.

🔗 Read the full report: https://people.com/fla-man-charged-with-attempted-kidnapping-of-13-year-old-police-say-12187367