On Thursday, a man appeared in Miami-Dade criminal court following an incident on February 14th where he attempted to abduct his former partner with a machete and attacked her new boyfriend in Little Havana. The assailant, identified as Nelson Pérez-Estrada, whose exact nationality remains undisclosed, caused chaos on a public street.
On Valentine's Day, Pérez-Estrada lay in wait in a blue Ford F-150 truck near Northwest 5th Avenue and 640th block. According to the police report referenced by local media, as the couple strolled down the street, he exited the vehicle with a blue bag in hand, from which he drew a machete.
The attacker attempted to force his ex-girlfriend into the truck, dragging her about 20 to 30 feet while demanding she get into his vehicle. Her current boyfriend intervened to thwart the kidnapping, triggering a violent struggle with Pérez-Estrada.
During the skirmish, the machete accidentally fell to the ground, allowing the woman's companion to disarm the aggressor and prevent further tragedy. However, the assault didn't end there.
After the botched kidnapping, Pérez-Estrada returned to his truck and, in a desperate act, attempted to run over the victims. The police report states he made multiple U-turns on the street, aiming the vehicle at the couple repeatedly with clear intent to harm or kill them. After several unsuccessful attempts, he fled eastward from the scene.
The victims sustained minor injuries. Pérez-Estrada's ex-girlfriend had a scratch on her right forearm and pain in her left ankle, while her current partner ended up with a bite mark on his head, cuts on his hand, and bruises on his right forearm.
Pérez-Estrada had been in a nine-year relationship with the woman but could not accept their recent breakup on February 7th.
New Charges for Trespassing and Arrest
But the saga didn't end there. Days after the attack, authorities tracked down Pérez-Estrada, who was arrested after breaking into a residence with an accomplice, allegedly in an attempted robbery or assault. Nelson Pérez-Estrada faces severe and varied charges: attempted murder, aggravated kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, trespassing, and robbery with violence.
In his initial court appearance, the judge set a $10,000 bond for one of the charges, while decisions on the other charges are still pending.
Key Aspects of the Miami Kidnapping Case
What happened during the kidnapping attempt in Miami?
Nelson Pérez-Estrada attempted to kidnap his ex-girlfriend with a machete and attacked her new boyfriend in Little Havana. The incident involved a violent struggle, and Pérez-Estrada later tried to run over the couple with his truck.
What charges is Nelson Pérez-Estrada facing?
Pérez-Estrada faces charges including attempted murder, aggravated kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, trespassing, and robbery with violence.
How did the victims manage to escape the attack?
During the struggle, the machete fell, allowing the woman’s current partner to disarm Pérez-Estrada and prevent further harm.