Kidnapped Woman Escapes Captor After Months Of 'Relentless' Torture

Authorities in Florida rescued a kidnapped woman after she suffered months of "unimaginable" abuse and torture, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office . Deputies arrested Walter Medina , 48, on Tuesday (April 2) after his alleged victim escaped from a van in a Walgreens parking lot.

The horrific saga began in January when Medina met the victim, who was panhandling in the area of Hillsborough Avenue and Habana Avenue. Medina allegedly provided the woman with food and drugs but soon turned violent, subjecting her to "months of relentless physical abuse and captivity." Deputies allege Medina used a baseball bat and screwdriver to torture her and threatened to kill the woman if she fled or sought help.

The victim managed to escape when the 48-year-old suspect left her alone to go inside the Walgreens on Monday (April 1). Deputies responded to a gas station in Seffner after a caller reported an injured woman needing help. Officials said she suffered numerous injuries to her face and body, including broken ribs and deep puncture wounds. The victim was taken to the hospital.

Medina was arrested following a police pursuit with several law enforcement agencies. He was charged with second-degree attempted murder, armed kidnapping, armed false imprisonment, aggravated battery with great bodily harm, tampering with a witness, and tampering with physical evidence.

"I can’t imagine the torture this victim endured for months, but I can imagine the relief she felt when our deputies arrived,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in the statement. "I have to commend the bravery of the victim for escaping her captor and seeking help... This suspect's reign of violent terror is now over."

A violent suspect is under arrest after inflicting months of captivity and abuse. On Monday, April 1, 2024, HCSO...

Posted by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, April 2, 2024