In a harrowing scene captured by surveillance video, a courageous Florida woman thwarted an attempted kidnapping outside a smoke shop in St. Augustine.

The chilling footage, recently released by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, shows the victim’s blood-curdling screams as she desperately fights back against her attacker — an encounter that could have ended far worse were it not for her fearless resistance and a nearby Good Samaritan.

The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Theodore Michael Tundidor, can be seen trying to force the woman into a pickup truck outside the shop.

According to authorities, the incident began inside the store, where Tundidor allegedly slipped behind the counter and stole approximately $270 worth of merchandise, including hemp cigarettes and a vape.

As he attempted to flee, the female employee bravely confronted him, trying to block his exit.

That’s when things took a terrifying turn. Investigators say Tundidor grabbed the woman by the neck and dragged her outside toward his vehicle.

The surveillance footage shows her being forcibly pulled to the pickup truck, where Tundidor tries to shove her inside.

But the woman didn’t give up without a fight.

Image Credit: St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office

She kicks, screams, and struggles violently, eventually slipping free from her attacker’s grasp. Her determined resistance forces Tundidor to abandon his plan, and she sprints away from the vehicle before he can shove her all the way in.

Her cries for help were loud enough to catch the attention of a nearby Good Samaritan, who immediately rushed to intervene and called 911. Their quick action likely contributed to the outcome — the woman escaped with her life, and Tundidor fled the scene.

The suspect’s escape didn’t last long. Law enforcement later determined that the truck Tundidor used had been stolen from a Jacksonville dealership.

When Florida Fish and Wildlife officers spotted him driving recklessly a short time later, they attempted to pull him over. Tundidor tried to flee once again, but this time, officers quickly caught up to him and placed him under arrest.

Image Credit: St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office

He has since been charged with robbery, attempted kidnapping, and battery.

The incident has shaken the local community and serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers faced by employees in customer-facing jobs — especially when alone or working late.

But it also highlights the power of bravery, instinct, and the life-saving impact of speaking out and fighting back.

Image Credit: St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office

Video footage of the event has since gone viral, with viewers across the country praising the woman for her incredible strength under pressure.

Though clearly traumatized, she managed to do everything right: resist, create noise, escape the vehicle, and put distance between herself and the suspect.

Authorities commend both the victim and the Good Samaritan for their actions that day. Without their courage and vigilance, the outcome could have been far more tragic.

Image Credit: St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office

As of now, Tundidor remains in custody, awaiting prosecution. Law enforcement officials have not released the name of the victim, respecting her privacy as she recovers from the traumatic experience.

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who sees suspicious behavior to speak up and get involved when safe to do so.

This incident, while terrifying, serves as an example of bravery in the face of violence — a moment where instinct, defiance, and a stranger’s quick action stopped what could have been a devastating crime.

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