The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office charged a 22-year-old Sarasota man with False Imprisonment and Domestic Battery following an altercation with a woman at a Sarasota grocery store.  

Deputies were called to the Publix located at 5391 Fruitville Road on Sunday night around 6:30 p.m., after receiving multiple reports of a man forcing a woman to leave with him after the two had a dispute inside the store. Surveillance video captured Eduar Moreno, DOB 01/15/96, grabbing the victim and forcing her to leave the store. Moments later, the victim tried to re-enter the store and plead for help when Moreno grabbed her and forced her into the parking lot. Witnesses provided deputies the tag to Moreno’s vehicle which helped deputies locate the woman without serious injuries. Based on investigation, detectives determined Moreno and the woman knew one another and the incident was isolated.

A warrant was issued for Moreno’s arrest and he was subsequently taken into custody Monday in Manatee County. Moreno remains in custody without bond awaiting extradition to Sarasota County. He has several prior arrests in Manatee County including for Domestic Battery and Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer or Firefighter.

The sheriff’s office is reminding the public that domestic violence is a serious crime. Anyone who feels they or someone they know is a victim of domestic violence is encouraged to contact local law enforcement or dial the National Domestic Hotline at 1.800.799.7233.