Video Reveals Florida Smoke Shop Kidnap Attempt
Brace yourself for another stellar exhibit of bad judgment from the Sunshine State. A chilling abduction attempt outside a St. Augustine smoke shop was caught on surveillance after Theodore Michael Tundidor tried to force a store employee into a stolen pickup truck last month. The 31-year-old suspect allegedly slipped behind the counter of the St. Augustine Smoke Shop one afternoon and grabbed roughly $270 worth of hemp cigarettes, a vape, and assorted merchandise. That’s when he made the rookie mistake of tangling with an employee who wasn’t planning to let him waltz out empty-handed.
The footage released by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office begins with Tundidor stuffing his haul into a bag and striding toward the door. The woman steps in front of him, voice raised to protest his brazen heist. Instead of backing down, Tundidor reportedly grabbed her by the neck, dragged her across the threshold, and hauled her toward the parked pickup—allegedly stolen from a Jacksonville dealership just days earlier. You can hear her screams slice through the air as she fights her way free, slipping out of his grasp before he can get her fully into the bed of the truck.
A nearby Good Samaritan noticed the chaos and sprinted over to help. While the heroic passerby dialed 911, Tundidor jumped into the stolen vehicle and sped off down the block. But courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation officers keeping an eye on suspicious driving patterns, his joyride was short-lived. Authorities say Tundidor floored the accelerator, weaving recklessly until law enforcement caught up and apprehended him without further incident.
Now facing charges of robbery, attempted kidnapping, and battery, Tundidor is officially off the streets and dodging more than just his next grocery run. His mug shot has already made the rounds, ensuring nobody forgets his impromptu method of retail customer acquisition. Observers note that the incident highlights both the woman’s quick reflexes and the dangers retail workers face when confronting armed thieves.
Local law enforcement is reminding citizens to avoid direct confrontation whenever possible and to report suspicious activity immediately. The sheriff’s office praised the victim’s bravery and the Good Samaritan’s timely intervention while warning that not every scenario ends with a successful escape. Meanwhile, Tundidor’s legal team has yet to enter a plea, setting the stage for what could be a contentious courtroom battle.
So there you have it- proof that even a petty robbery can escalate into a full-blown crime scene in seconds. This episode may not win any awards for originality, but it does remind us that vigilance and a loud voice can save the day. Nothing shocking here, folks. Let’s all act surprised.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
