A man wearing an ankle monitor was apprehended by police in Orlando, Florida, after reportedly attempting to abduct a woman in a Walmart parking lot.
Police officers in Orlando swiftly responded to an incident at a Walmart on South Goldenrod Road near Market Place Drive. The incident involved an armed robbery and an attempted kidnapping, which occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Monday.
According to authorities, the individual involved, identified as Juan Marcos Perez, was observed walking back and forth in the parking lot prior to approaching the victim. According to authorities, Perez allegedly brandished a knife and threatened the woman, ultimately coercing her into the trunk of her vehicle.
As per a probable cause arrest affidavit obtained by local Fox affiliate WOFL, it was reported that the victim made an attempt to defend themselves.
Perez reportedly made a threatening statement to the victim, indicating a serious level of aggression.
According to authorities, an individual stepped in and Perez fled the scene. According to the affidavit, the witness informed the police that she observed the victim’s legs flailing out of the trunk while Perez attempted to push her in. A witness stopped her car and got out to see if the woman needed assistance. According to reports, Perez fled the scene at that moment.
Authorities have identified Perez as a potential suspect and discovered that he is a registered sex offender with a prior conviction for kidnapping. Additionally, it was found that he is currently on parole. According to the affidavit, the suspect was positively identified by his parole officer through a surveillance camera.
According to the parole officer, Perez was found to be wearing a GPS ankle monitor. According to the data from the monitor, it indicated that he was present at the Walmart during the incident of armed robbery and kidnapping.
Perez was apprehended on Tuesday and transported to the Orange County Jail on charges of armed robbery, attempted kidnapping, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He is being held without bond. The next court date is set for September 10th.