Caught on camera at a Florida gas station, a 13-year-old girl broke free from a man who had grabbed her in a headlock, stopped to pick up her fallen pink headband, and ran screaming into the store for help.
It happened Monday, October 19, around 5:34 p.m. The girl was walking home from school when she stopped at a Shell gas station in Miramar. What came next lasted only seconds, but it was enough to save her life.
The Attack
According to police, 32-year-old Michael Polanco put his arm around the girl's neck in a headlock and told her to "give him some kisses." The details come from audio of the 911 call made that evening.
Polanco was hard to miss. He was wearing a bright orange bicycle helmet, a blue fanny pack, a tan shirt, and dark shorts.
She Fought Back
The girl did exactly what every safety expert hopes for. She fought. She ducked under his arm and broke free. Then, in a moment that has stunned everyone who saw the footage, she paused — just long enough to pick up her pink headband that had fallen in the struggle — and ran screaming into the store.
A bystander yelled at the suspect as the girl fled to safety inside.
The girl was not injured.
An Arrest Within Reach
Police caught up with Polanco nearby. He was arrested and charged with battery causing bodily harm and kidnapping — inflicting bodily harm upon or terrorizing the victim.
A judge denied his bond on Tuesday.
Court records show an extensive criminal history: robbery, burglary with assault, and felony battery among prior charges.
The Police Chief's Praise
Miramar Police Chief Delrish Moss didn't hide his admiration for the 13-year-old.
"It was very smart of this kid to fight and to break free and to draw attention to the situation and make sure help is available," Moss said.
A Moment of Composure
What has struck viewers most is the girl's composure. Even in the middle of a terrifying struggle, she refused to panic — breaking free, reclaiming her headband, and getting to safety.
She is a minor, and her identity is being protected. But her courage, caught on a gas station camera in broad daylight, is something the whole country is now talking about.
Reported from coverage by The Sun (NBC6 South Florida, Miami Herald), CBS News Miami, and internewscast, October 2026.
