Theodore Michael Tundidor: Inside The Shocking Florida Kidnapping Attempt And His Full Criminal History

Theodore Michael Tundidor became the subject of a high-profile manhunt across Florida in mid-2025 after a terrifying attempted kidnapping and robbery captured on surveillance video went viral. The incident, which took place outside a St. Augustine smoke shop, showcased a brazen and violent crime that led to Tundidor facing a litany of serious felony charges, including kidnapping, grand theft auto, and eluding law enforcement. As of the current date, December 14, 2025, Tundidor remains incarcerated, awaiting trial in St. Johns County while also facing a probation violation from a previous case in Broward County, highlighting a pattern of escalating criminal behavior that has drawn national attention. The details of the case, released by the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJSO), paint a picture of a calculated crime spree that began with the theft of a vehicle and culminated in a violent assault on an unsuspecting store employee. The swift response from local law enforcement and the critical assistance from civilian tipsters and other agencies, such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), were instrumental in bringing the dangerous suspect into custody.

Theodore Michael Tundidor: Full Biographical Profile and Criminal History

Theodore Michael Tundidor, whose actions in June 2025 shocked the community of St. Augustine, Florida, has a documented history within the state's criminal justice system. While specific details on his early life and occupation are limited in public records, his profile is primarily defined by his recent and prior legal entanglements.

• Full Name: Theodore Michael Tundidor
• Date of Birth (DOB): June 10, 1994
• Age at Time of Incident: 31 years old (as of June 2025)
• Race/Sex: White Male (W/M)
• Known Prior Residence: Plantation, Florida
• Primary Incident Location: St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Florida
• Prior Legal Status: Wanted for a probation violation in Broward County, Florida, at the time of the St. Augustine incident.
• Arrest Date (St. Johns County): June 29, 2025

Tundidor’s connection to Broward County, particularly his outstanding warrant for violating probation, indicates a prior criminal record that preceded the violent events in St. Johns County. This pre-existing legal status significantly amplified the severity of his new charges, as the attempted kidnapping and robbery occurred while he was supposed to be under supervision.

The Terrifying St. Augustine Abduction Attempt: A Timeline of Events

The crime that brought Theodore Michael Tundidor to national prominence was a brazen and violent act of attempted abduction captured in harrowing detail on security footage. The incident began with a robbery and escalated quickly into a life-threatening situation for the victim.

The Robbery at the Smoke Shop

The sequence of events began on June 29, 2025, when Tundidor allegedly entered a local smoke shop in St. Augustine. Investigators from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJSO) determined that Tundidor committed a robbery inside the business. The details of the robbery—what was stolen and how the initial confrontation occurred—set the stage for the more serious events that followed.

The Attempted Abduction and the Victim’s Escape

After robbing the store, Tundidor allegedly targeted a female employee who was outside the business. Surveillance video, later released by the SJSO, showed Tundidor grabbing the woman and attempting to violently force her into a pickup truck. The truck itself was later identified as having been stolen from a dealership in Jacksonville, Florida, adding a charge of grand theft auto to his growing list of offenses. The victim, whose quick thinking and physical resistance were key, fought back against her attacker. The footage shows a terrifying struggle where she was dragged from the store before managing to break free from Tundidor's grasp. Her successful escape was a critical factor in saving her life and preventing a full-scale kidnapping. Tundidor, thwarted in his attempt, quickly sped away from the scene in the stolen vehicle.

The Multi-County Manhunt and Capture by FWC

Following the terrifying incident, the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office immediately launched a multi-agency manhunt for the suspect. The combination of clear surveillance footage, the description of the stolen vehicle, and civilian tips proved crucial in tracking Tundidor's movements.

The Pursuit and Arrest

The chase led law enforcement across county lines as Tundidor attempted to elude capture. The pursuit involved multiple agencies, demonstrating the seriousness with which authorities viewed the attempted kidnapping. Theodore Tundidor was eventually located and apprehended by officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The arrest itself was captured on body camera video, which was later released to the public, providing a final, dramatic piece of evidence in the case. Upon his arrest, Tundidor was charged with a host of crimes related to the St. Augustine incident, including:

• Kidnapping
• Robbery
• Grand Theft Auto
• Eluding Law Enforcement
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

The fact that he was already wanted for a probation violation in Broward County added another layer of complexity to his legal situation, ensuring that he would be held without bond and face proceedings in multiple jurisdictions.

Legal Ramifications: Charges and Potential Sentencing in Florida

The charges filed against Theodore Michael Tundidor are extremely serious under Florida law, carrying the potential for decades in state prison. The most severe charge he faces is attempted kidnapping, which is classified as a high-level felony.

Understanding the Kidnapping Statute

In Florida, the crime of kidnapping is defined under Florida Statute 787.01 as the confinement, abduction, or imprisonment of another person against their will, without lawful authority, and with the intent to commit or aid the commission of any felony. The charge of Attempted Kidnapping is typically classified as a second-degree felony in Florida. This level of crime can result in a sentence of up to 15 years in Florida State Prison, a substantial fine, and a lengthy period of probation. Given the additional charges of robbery, grand theft auto, and eluding law enforcement, Tundidor faces the possibility of consecutive sentencing, meaning his total prison time could accumulate to a significantly longer period.

The Impact of Prior Criminal History

Tundidor's outstanding warrant for a probation violation in Broward County further complicates his legal standing. A probation violation can, by itself, result in the imposition of the original sentence that was suspended in that prior case. When combined with new, violent felony charges, a judge is highly unlikely to grant bond or leniency. The sheer volume of evidence, including the chilling surveillance video and the body camera footage of his arrest, presents a formidable case for the prosecution in St. Johns County. The outcome of his court proceedings will hinge on the details surrounding the attempted abduction and whether his defense team can successfully challenge the interpretation of the video evidence or the intent behind his actions. The case of Theodore Michael Tundidor serves as a stark reminder of the rigorous legal process involved in prosecuting violent crimes in the state of Florida.