Two Citizens Hold Intoxicated Woman at Gunpoint Inside Florida Grocery

Two armed residents held a 36-year-old woman at gunpoint inside a Dollar General in Polk County, Florida, after she threatened customers with a knife.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated that Natalia Gaviria, who lives in Kissimmee, entered the store heavily intoxicated. According to the sheriff's office, she pulled out a knife and began waving it around while threatening shoppers. Employees quickly moved customers out of the building and called 911. Investigators noted that Gaviria stabbed a soda bottle inside the business during the incident.

Surveillance footage shows Gaviria holding the knife inside the store. The sheriff's office released images of the scene, including a photo of an armed resident pointing a concealed firearm at Gaviria outside the store after the encounter. Judd emphasized that Florida law allows residents to carry concealed firearms without a permit. He described the intervention as a successful use of that right. "Way to go Polk County," Judd said. "When we got there, you may say the caper was over."

Gaviria was taken into custody and faced three charges. Prosecutors charged her with disorderly intoxication, theft of the damaged soda bottle, and two counts of assault. Authorities have not yet released the names of the two residents who stepped in. It is also unclear how much time elapsed between Gaviria entering the store and the residents drawing their weapons.

Sheriff Judd confirmed that Gaviria is from Colombia and is in the United States illegally. He commented on the incident during a public address. "Maybe you act that way in Colombia, but you don’t act that way in Florida and you sure don’t act that way in Polk County or we’ll pull our guns on you here," Judd said. He praised the citizens for intervening when a violent felony was occurring. "Congratulations citizens. You did what was right. You kept everyone safe until the sheriff’s office arrived. So, congratulations to you. To Natalia, when we’re finished sending you to prison, you’re on your way back to Colombia."