South Miami Man Accused of Attempted Kidnapping Linked to Multiple Attacks
SOUTH MIAMI, Fla. – A man accused of attempting to abduct a teenage girl in South Miami last week is now being linked to another attempted kidnapping, according to police.
Authorities say Brian Gamboa carried out two attacks within 20 minutes late at night on Wednesday, Feb. 19, including an assault on a woman in a hospital parking garage and an attempted abduction of a 16-year-old girl.
Attack in Hospital Parking Garage
Surveillance footage released by South Miami police shows Gamboa allegedly attacking a woman inside the South Miami Hospital parking garage.
“In the surveillance video, you see the man walk through the parking garage where he confronts the female. There’s a struggle on the ground. Eventually, the victim is able to get away. She runs and is confronted by a doctor, who I believe she tells the story to and what happened,” said South Miami police Sgt. Fernando Bosch.
Gamboa then fled the area and was involved in a hit-and-run accident outside a restaurant, police said. Witnesses provided a description of his vehicle, alerting officers and prompting a search.
Teen Girl Fights Off Attacker
Just minutes after the parking garage attack, Gamboa allegedly tried to abduct a 16-year-old girl as she walked through her neighborhood early Thursday morning.
“The guy came out of a car. He approached me and started attacking me by my shoulders and the back of my head. I fought back, I threw my phone at him, and I started to kick him. I started screaming, I started punching him,” the teen told reporters.
She said her resistance forced the suspect to give up and flee. Police arrested him shortly afterward.
Attack Happened Near Suspect’s Home
Authorities say the attempted abduction of the teenage girl occurred just across the street from Gamboa’s residence.
“It happened right on the corner—just a couple of steps away, not even a couple of minutes,” said Violeta Gonzalez, a local resident.
Community on Edge
Residents of the Sunset Club Apartments have posted flyers with Gamboa’s picture, warning neighbors about the attacks.
“It could have been me. It could’ve been my friend. It could’ve been anybody that I know. It’s really scary to know,” Gonzalez added.
Survivor Speaks Out
The 16-year-old survivor hopes that Gamboa faces justice.
“I don’t think this man should be anywhere on the street ever again,” she said.
Gamboa remains in police custody as the investigation continues. Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.
