St. Augustine Kidnapping Suspect Arrested After Escape

Surveillance and police body camera footage documented the attempted kidnapping of 18-year-old Emma Marine outside a St. Augustine smoke shop by 31-year-old Theodore Michael Tundidor. After robbing the store, Tundidor tried to force Marine into his stolen pickup truck, but she fought back, screamed for help, and escaped with the assistance of a bystander who alerted authorities. Tundidor fled but was soon apprehended by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers, who found him driving recklessly in a vehicle with mismatched registration and suspected marijuana. Marine later stated she resisted in part due to fear of losing her job, as her workplace had threatened termination or docked pay after previous incidents. Authorities commended Marine's resistance and the bystander's quick intervention, crediting them with preventing a more serious crime. Tundidor faces multiple felony charges, including kidnapping, robbery, grand theft auto, DUI, and fleeing law enforcement.