16-year-old boy uses saw blade to kidnap shopper at Home Depot, Florida sheriff says

A 16-year-old boy “having a bad day” made matters worse by using a saw blade to kidnap a shopper at a Home Depot, Florida investigators say.

The victim thwarted the crime by using a distraction to take off running, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a Friday, June 28, news release.

It happened at a Home Depot in Riverview, a 15-mile drive southeast from downtown Tampa.

Investigators say the 16-year-old went to the store hoping to “purchase a Visa gift card using a stolen credit/debit card,” the sheriff’s office said.

When that failed, he “walked further into the store” and began following one of the shoppers.

“(He) approached her, stating he was having a bad day, and revealed a saw blade. He then instructed her to follow him to the bathroom, telling her to ‘act like you know me’ and ‘don’t ask for help’ while holding the blade and giving her directions,” the sheriff’s office said.

“He strategically guided her down an empty aisle to avoid other patrons and store staff. Upon reaching the aisle where the bathrooms are located, the victim noticed store employees behind her and customers near the bathroom. Seizing the opportunity provided by the larger group of people in the vicinity, she sprinted to safety.”

The victim then reported the incident to employees and customers, officials said.

Witnesses told investigators the teen ran through the parking lot and he was found “across the street at another retail store,” officials said.

The teen was arrested and charged with:

• Felony armed kidnapping
• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
• Unlawful possession of the personal ID of another
• Fraudulent use of credit card over $100
• Possession of a stolen credit car

“We are in awe of the victim’s quick and brave thinking. Her courage in a terrifying situation not only saved her life but also helped ensure this dangerous suspect was arrested,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in the release.

“I am thankful for the actions of the store employees and customers who assisted in this situation; their willingness to speak up is commendable and exemplifies the strength of our community.”

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