16-Year-Old Speaks Out After Fighting Off Attempted Abductor in South Miami; Suspect Faces Judge
Teen Recounts Harrowing Experience of Fending Off Attempted Abduction
A 16-year-old girl, who wishes to remain anonymous, has shared her terrifying story of an attempted abduction in South Miami. The incident occurred on Thursday as the teen was walking down Southwest 86th Street while on the phone with her friends.
The Attack
According to the victim, a 32-year-old man, identified as Brian Gamboa, pulled up next to her in his car and attempted to drag her into the vehicle. The girl, who was too shaken to show her face on camera, showed 7News the injuries she suffered while fighting off her attacker.
"I punched him in the face. I kicked him in the lower body, a lot," she said, still visibly shaken.
The Ordeal
The girl described the events that transpired as she was walking down the street, saying that Gamboa, who was allegedly drunk, stopped and got out of his car. He pushed her to the ground, but she refused to give up without a fight.
"I pushed him off with this leg, so I can’t bend this knee right now, and then I started hitting him with my phone, which is broken," she said. "I got up as quickly as I could. When I got free, I kicked him, and I got up and ran to a neighbor."
Quick Response from Authorities
The girl quickly called the South Miami Police, who responded promptly and issued a "be on the lookout" for Gamboa. Just over a quarter-mile away, he was caught and taken into custody by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
Confronting the Suspect in Court
Gamboa faced Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer, charged with attempted kidnapping and battery of a child. The judge set his bond at an amount that requires him to be fitted with an ankle monitor before his release.
A Harrowing Experience
The girl was visibly shaken by the ordeal, but grateful to have escaped the situation unharmed. "It was really scary. I’m OK, except the fact that my knee is messed up. Like, I’m OK. I got pretty lucky; like, it could have been way worse for me," she said.
Conclusion
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and awareness, particularly for young people. It is heartening to know that the girl fought back and managed to escape the clutches of her attacker. We hope that her story will serve as a reminder to always be vigilant and to trust one’s instincts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened during the attempted abduction?
A: The 16-year-old girl was walking down Southwest 86th Street when Brian Gamboa, a 32-year-old man, pulled up next to her in his car and attempted to drag her into the vehicle.
Q: How did the girl respond to the attack?
A: The girl fought back, punching and kicking Gamboa, and eventually managed to break free and run to a neighbor’s house.
Q: What happened to Gamboa?
A: Gamboa was arrested and charged with attempted kidnapping and battery of a child. He was later released on bond, but with the condition that he be fitted with an ankle monitor.
