Authorities say a Florida deputy spotted a woman frantically waving from a moving truck moments after she was allegedly kidnapped.
WINTER PARK, Fla. — A 44-year-old Florida man has been charged with kidnapping after authorities say he randomly grabbed a woman from a street near a convenience store, forced her into his truck and drove away before a deputy noticed the victim desperately trying to signal for help from the moving vehicle.
The case has drawn attention because investigators allege the suspect and victim had never met before the incident. According to court documents, surveillance footage showed the woman walking through the area when the suspect suddenly stopped his truck, got out and allegedly abducted her in broad daylight. Authorities said a sheriff’s deputy witnessed part of the encounter and helped launch the response that ultimately led to the suspect’s arrest the following day.
Investigators identified the suspect as Matthew Hunt Seaberg, 44. According to an arrest warrant affidavit, surveillance cameras near a Wawa convenience store in Winter Park captured Seaberg driving past the woman before allegedly stopping his vehicle nearby. Authorities say the woman was speaking with another person when Seaberg first passed through the area. Moments later, after she began walking away, investigators allege he exited the truck, approached her from behind and lifted her onto his shoulder before placing her inside the passenger seat of the vehicle.
Detectives said surveillance footage showed the truck leaving the area while the victim appeared to struggle inside. According to investigators, video captured what appeared to be a person flailing and attempting to escape through the passenger-side window as the truck traveled down the road. Authorities said the victim could be seen extending her arms outside the vehicle in what investigators believe was an effort to attract attention and seek help. Those actions proved critical when a nearby Orange County sheriff’s deputy noticed something was wrong.
The deputy later told investigators he heard the woman screaming from inside the truck. According to the affidavit, the victim repeatedly yelled, “Stop, please. You are hurting me.” The deputy attempted to intervene after the truck briefly stopped, but investigators allege Seaberg drove away before the woman could be safely removed from the vehicle. The deputy then began following the truck and provided information to responding officers. Authorities said the encounter provided crucial evidence that helped investigators quickly identify the suspect and launch a search effort.
Using surveillance footage and a license plate number captured on video, investigators tracked the truck and linked it to Seaberg. Detectives spent hours reviewing evidence and attempting to determine the victim’s condition following the alleged abduction. Court records do not provide extensive details about the woman’s injuries or medical treatment, but authorities indicated they were able to gather enough evidence to pursue multiple felony charges. Investigators have not publicly disclosed a motive and have not indicated that the suspect knew the victim before the alleged kidnapping.
On June 1, authorities arrested Seaberg outside a high school in Orlando. Prosecutors charged him with kidnapping, tampering with a victim and battery. During court proceedings, Seaberg entered a plea of not guilty to the allegations. The case now moves into the judicial process, where prosecutors are expected to present surveillance footage, witness testimony and evidence collected during the investigation. Additional details could emerge during future hearings as attorneys review the evidence.
The allegations have raised concerns because investigators describe the incident as an apparently random attack. Law enforcement officials said there was no indication that the victim had any prior connection to the suspect. Cases involving strangers are often among the most difficult for investigators to solve quickly, but authorities credited surveillance footage, witness observations and the deputy’s intervention for helping identify the suspect within a short period of time.
For investigators, the victim’s visible attempts to attract attention became one of the most significant details in the case. Authorities said her efforts to signal distress from the moving vehicle helped alert law enforcement and created key evidence supporting the charges. The incident also highlighted the role of surveillance technology and rapid police response in developing leads during active investigations.
The case remains pending in court, and investigators have not announced any additional charges. Future hearings are expected in the coming months as prosecutors continue presenting evidence. For now, authorities say the suspect remains charged while the judicial process moves forward.
Author note: Last updated June 4, 2026.