TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Police said a woman’s hand was cut as she tried to fight off a would-be kidnapper at the Orlando airport over the weekend, WESH reported.
The attempted kidnapping happened in a restroom near McCoy’s Bar & Grill at the Hyatt Regency inside the airport, according to police.
The victim, a 30-year-old tourist, told police she was leaving the bathroom stall to wash her hands and saw a man in the mirror behind her.
He was holding a knife. Police said he placed the woman in a chokehold and tried to drag her into another stall.
The victim broke free and ran to a restaurant, then staff called for help. Police said the woman’s hand was cut during the struggle, and she had a 3-inch laceration consistent with a knife wound.
Security officers were able to detain the suspect, 24-year-old, Damani Matthews, as he was leaving the restroom.
Matthews was arrested for attempted kidnapping, attempted robbery and attempted battery with a weapon. He is being held in the Orange County Jail without bond.
