Man Arrested After Kidnapping and Abuse in Tampa: Walter Medina Arrested Following High-Speed Chase

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Tampa kidnapping suspect
2. Arrested after chase across counties

A man accused of kidnapping a woman in Tampa and abusing her for over two months was arrested by state troopers after a high-speed chase across multiple counties on Tuesday. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), a woman was panhandling in the area of Hillsborough Avenue and Habana Avenue in Tampa when she met the suspect, identified as 48-year-old Walter Medina. Medina initially provided the victim with food and drugs, but later turned violent, holding her captive and abusing her for months. The victim managed to escape when left alone at a Walgreens, leading to the arrest of the suspect after a dramatic chase. Medina faces a range of serious charges and will be booked into the Orange County Jail after being released from the hospital.

Man Arrested after Kidnapping and Abusing Woman in Tampa

A man accused of kidnapping a woman in Tampa and abusing her for over two months was arrested by state troopers after a high-speed chase across multiple counties on Tuesday.

Details of the Incident

The incident took place in the area of Hillsborough Avenue and Habana Avenue in Tampa. The victim, a woman who was panhandling in the area, met the suspect, identified as 48-year-old Walter Medina. Initially, Medina offered the victim food and drugs, but he later turned violent, holding her captive and subjecting her to months of abuse.

Medina reportedly used a wooden baseball bat and flathead screwdriver to inflict severe injuries on the woman, including broken ribs, deep puncture wounds, and extensive bruising. He then proceeded to drive her around the Tampa Bay area for approximately two and a half months, threatening to kill her if she attempted to escape or seek help.

Escape and Arrest

The victim managed to escape on Monday when Medina left her alone at a Walgreens. Deputies located her shortly after at a Mobil gas station in Seffner and issued a warrant for Medina’s arrest. The following day, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers were alerted about an active pursuit of Medina, who was driving a gold van eastbound on Interstate 4 from Polk County towards Osceola County.

During the pursuit, which involved HCSO deputies and Lakeland police, Medina reached speeds of over 100 mph while weaving in and out of traffic. Despite attempts to stop his vehicle using PIT maneuvers, troopers were unsuccessful. The chase came to a dramatic end when Medina crashed into a median after blowing through a red light.

Charges and Additional Offenses

Medina, who had outstanding warrants for charges such as aggravated battery, armed kidnapping, armed false imprisonment, attempted second-degree murder, tampering with a witness, and tampering with physical evidence, now faces additional charges including reckless driving, fleeing to elude law enforcement, and hit-and-run.

Following the high-speed pursuit, Medina was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center by EMS for treatment. Once released from the hospital, he will be transported and booked into the Orange County Jail.

This shocking incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that can lurk in our communities and the swift action taken by law enforcement to apprehend those who pose a threat to others.