Breaking news: A daring escape took place at a Walgreens in Florida, where a woman managed to break free from captivity by a man who had been abusing her for months.
According to authorities, the woman saw an opportunity to flee when the suspect, identified as Walter Medina, 48, briefly left her unattended at the pharmacy in the Tampa area.
After a pursuit, officers successfully apprehended Medina on Tuesday. He now faces charges of attempted second degree murder and armed kidnapping.
Sheriff Chad Chronister declared, "This suspect's reign of violent terror is now over."
Reports indicate that the victim, who had been subjected to brutal treatment, met the perpetrator while panhandling. Initially, he provided her with food and drugs, but the situation escalated into violence. The woman sustained serious injuries, including broken ribs, deep puncture wounds, and extensive bruising, throughout her over two months of captivity.
The victim's harrowing months-long ordeal came to an end with the arrival of the deputies, bringing a sense of relief to the unimaginable torture she endured, according to Sheriff Chronister. The victim's bravery in escaping her captor and seeking help was commended by the sheriff, who expressed support for her recovery from the traumatic experience.
The woman, whose identity has not been revealed by the authorities, was swiftly taken to a hospital for necessary treatment following her escape.
Medina faces charges of armed false imprisonment, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, witness tampering, and tampering with physical evidence, as per officials. His criminal history includes prior arrests for kidnapping, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and robbery.
