WINTER PARK, Fla. — The victim has filed court documents asking prosecutors not to pursue charges against the alleged suspect. The Winter Park Police Department told FOX 35 in an emailed statement that detectives believe the two individuals involved knew each other, though investigators could not specify the nature of their relationship due to the ongoing investigation. As of June 4, charges against the suspect remained active, according to the Orange County Clerk of Court.
Original story
The Winter Park Police Department has accused a man of kidnapping a woman at a local gas station.
The incident occurred Friday at the Wawa on North Orlando Avenue.
What we know:
Investigators say Matthew Seaberg, 44, approached a woman from behind, hoisted her onto his right shoulder and forced her into the front passenger seat of his vehicle.
An off-duty Orange County deputy who was fueling his vehicle at the station heard the woman screaming and intervened.
The deputy identified himself as a law enforcement officer and displayed his badge to Seaberg, who then fled the scene, according to investigators.
Surveillance cameras captured the incident on video, police say. The footage showed the woman “flailing and attempting to exit the vehicle.”
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.