A woman’s courageous escape from a prolonged captivity ordeal unfolded during a stop at a Walgreens in Florida, according to officials from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday.
The victim seized an opportunity to break free when her captor, identified as 48-year-old Walter Medina, momentarily left her unattended at the pharmacy in the Tampa area. Deputies swiftly responded to a distress call on Monday reporting an injured woman who had managed to flee from a van, pleading for assistance.
Following a pursuit, law enforcement officers successfully apprehended Medina on Tuesday. He now faces charges of attempted second-degree murder and armed kidnapping.
“This suspect’s reign of violent terror is now over,” affirmed Sheriff Chad Chronister.
Investigations revealed a chilling narrative of Medina’s interactions with the victim, who initially encountered him while panhandling. Medina allegedly lured her with food and narcotics before subjecting her to relentless abuse. The victim, enduring over two months of captivity, suffered severe injuries, including broken ribs, deep puncture wounds, and extensive bruising.
“I can’t imagine the torture this victim endured for months, but I can imagine the relief she felt when our deputies arrived,” expressed Sheriff Chronister. “I have to commend the bravery of the victim for escaping her captor and seeking help. Our thoughts are with her as she recovers from this traumatic ordeal.”
While the woman’s identity remains undisclosed, she was promptly transported to a medical facility for treatment following her escape.
Medina now faces additional charges, including armed false imprisonment, aggravated battery with great bodily harm, tampering with a witness, and tampering with physical evidence. His criminal history includes prior arrests for kidnapping, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and robbery.