Man arrested for kidnapping woman, child at Florida Walmart, deputies say
Previous coverage: Victims kidnapped at Walmart in Orange County
Officials with the Orange County Sheriff's Office are investigating after a kidnapping at a Walmart. A gun was discharged inside the Walmart, according to deputies. The investigation remains ongoing.
ORLANDO, Fla. - A man has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping his child and the child's mother at a Walmart store in Orange County over the weekend.
New details:
On Monday, the Orange County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of the suspect, 30-year-old Makence St. Hilaire.
Booking photo of Makence St. Hilaire (Credit: Orange County Sheriff's Office)
He is facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, and kidnapping, according to officials.
The woman and her child were not injured and were released by Hilaire on Saturday afternoon, deputies said.
Authorities said the incident was domestic in nature and that there was no threat to the community.
The backstory:
On April 12, at around 1:30 p.m., deputies responded to a Walmart along North Semoran Boulevard regarding a kidnapping.
Officials said the suspect followed the victims into the location and fired a weapon. He then led the victims outside to a car and fled the area, according to deputies.
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Orange County Sheriff's Office on April 14, 2025.