Florida Man Arrested for Kidnapping and Torturing Woman for Months in Minivan

A shocking case of kidnapping and brutal torture came to light as a Florida man was arrested for holding a woman captive and subjecting her to relentless physical abuse over a period of months. The victim, who had been panhandling in Tampa since January, found an opportunity to escape from her captor, leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Initial Kindness Turns Violent

The 48-year-old Walter Medina initially showed kindness towards the woman by providing her with food and narcotics. However, his actions soon took a violent turn, leading to months of captivity and physical abuse for the victim. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the woman was held against her will for two and a half months, during which she endured severe physical abuse.

Methods of Torture

Medina allegedly used a wooden baseball bat and a flathead screwdriver to inflict broken ribs, deep puncture wounds, and extensive bruising on the victim. The suspect also drove the victim around the Tampa Bay area and threatened to kill her if she attempted to escape or seek help.

Escape and Arrest

The woman managed to escape her captor when he briefly left her unattended at a Walgreens. A witness reported her escape, leading to the victim receiving medical treatment for numerous injuries. Subsequently, a high-speed chase across Polk and Osceola Counties resulted in the arrest of Walter Medina, who attempted to evade capture.

Law Enforcement Efforts

Law enforcement agencies, including the Florida Highway Patrol, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and Lakeland Police Department, worked together to pursue and eventually apprehend the suspect after the high-speed chase. Sheriff Chad Chronister commended the bravery of the victim and acknowledged the law enforcement partners for their joint effort in bringing the suspect to justice.

Criminal History

Medina faces charges including attempted second-degree murder, armed kidnapping, armed false imprisonment, aggravated battery with great bodily harm, tampering with a witness, and tampering with physical evidence. Additionally, it was revealed that the suspect had previously served time in prison for a false imprisonment case and had a history of arrests for kidnapping, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and robbery.