A woman who said she had been held captive by a guy who beat her for months was able to flee during a stop at a Walgreens, Florida officials said Tuesday.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the woman took advantage of the opportunity to run when the defendant, Walter Medina, 48, briefly left her alone in a pharmacy in the Tampa region. On Monday, a caller reported that an injured woman had recently escaped from a van and needed assistance, prompting the dispatch of deputies to assist her.
On Tuesday, officers apprehended Medina following a chase. He was accused of attempted second-degree murder and armed kidnapping.
“This suspect’s reign of violent terror is now over,” Sheriff Chad Chronister stated.
Medina, who had previously served time in jail for false imprisonment, met the victim while panhandling, according to officials. He originally provided her with food and narcotics before allegedly becoming abusive. Police claimed the woman endured significant injuries, including fractured ribs, deep puncture wounds, and considerable bruising, during her more than two months in captivity.
“I can’t imagine the torture this victim endured for months, but I can imagine the relief she felt when our deputies arrived,” the sheriff added. “I have to praise the victim’s bravery in escaping her abductor and seeking assistance. “Our thoughts are with her as she recovers from this traumatic experience.”
The police did not reveal the woman’s identity. After escaping, they transported her to a hospital for treatment.
Officials charged Medina with armed false imprisonment, aggravated battery with serious bodily harm, tampering with a witness, and tampering with physical evidence. Authorities had previously arrested him for kidnapping, violent assault on a police officer, and robbery.
