Alleged kidnapping at Winter Park gas station under investigation; man arrested, police say
Man accused of kidnapping woman from Winter Park gas station
A man is being held without bond after authorities say he kidnapped a woman from a busy Winter Park gas station before witnesses helped police track him down.
WINTER PARK, Fla. - Update (June 4): The victim has filed court documents asking prosecutors not to file charges against the alleged suspect. The Winter Park Police Department told FOX 35 in an emailed update that detectives believe the two people involved knew each other, but was unable to specify their relationship due to the active investigation. As of June 4, the charges against the suspect remained active, according to the Orange County Clerk of Court.
Original story
A man is accused of kidnapping a woman at a Winter Park gas station, according to the Winter Park police department.
The incident happened Friday at the Wawa on North Orlando Avenue.
What we know:
According to investigators, Matthew Seaberg, 44, approached a woman from behind and lifted her onto his right shoulder before forcing her into the front passenger seat of his vehicle.
SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS
An off-duty Orange County deputy, who was getting gas, heard the woman screaming and went to help her.
The deputy identified himself as law enforcement and showed his badge to Seaberg, who drove away, according to investigators.
The incident was captured on surveillance video, according to police. The video showed the woman "flailing and attempting to exit the vehicle," police said.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP
Using a license plate search and information from witnesses, police said they were able to identify Seaberg. He was arrested and charged with kidnapping, tampering with a victim and battery.
The Source: This story was written with information from Orange County court records and the Winter Park Police Department.