Florida
Man in Florida jailed after reported attempted kidnapping at church
A 64-year-old man accused of trying to kidnap a 74-year-old woman with whom he’d had a romantic relationship was arrested May 31, according to Port St. Lucie Police on June 1.
Jose Tsu Zamora was jailed on charges of attempted kidnapping while armed with a firearm; battery on a person 65 years of age or older; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; aggravated stalking (violation of injunction); and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, police stated.
Zamora, a resident of North Miami, was apprehended May 31 by police and U.S. Marshals in Hialeah.
The case began about 10:49 a.m. May 31 as police investigated an incident at First United Methodist Church on Southwest Prima Vista Boulevard.
“The investigation revealed that Zamora, who previously had a romantic relationship with the victim, approached her in the church parking lot despite an active injunction prohibiting contact,” police stated. “According to the investigation, Zamora … attempted to force the victim into a vehicle against her will while armed with a handgun.”
Two good Samaritans confronted Zamora, telling him to let go of the woman, police stated.
During the confrontation, police stated, Zamora is accused of “displaying a firearm before retreating to his vehicle and fleeing the scene.”
Video surveillance depicted Zamora pursuing the 74-year-old woman in the parking lot, restraining her and trying to “force her toward a vehicle.”
Zamora ultimately was taken into custody in Hialeah.
He is being held in the St. Lucie County Jail on $745,000 bond, according to police.
Zamora was arrested in March in St. Lucie County on charges of possession of a firearm or ammunition by convicted felon and tampering with evidence, though the latter charge ultimately was dropped, according to St. Lucie County Clerk’s records. The case is continuing through the court system, records show.
Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on X @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com.