Man Survives Attempted Execution After Offering Ride to Acquaintance in Avon Park

Sebring, FL — According to the Highlands County Sheriff's Office, a terrifying and nearly fatal ordeal unfolded Saturday morning after a man was found wandering on Cedora Terrace in Sebring, wearing only his underwear and suffering from a serious facial injury.

According to Highlands County Sheriff's Office investigators, the victim had been carjacked, beaten, stripped, and nearly executed after offering a ride to an acquaintance earlier that morning in Avon Park.

The victim told authorities that around 8 a.m., he had been driving on Main Street in Avon Park when he saw 29-year-old Joshua Yamir Torres walking. Recognizing Torres, the victim stopped and offered him a ride. Torres said he was headed to Sebring, and the two began driving south on State Road 17.

At some point during the drive, Torres allegedly pulled out a pistol and struck the victim in the face with enough force to break his nose. He then forced the victim to drive to a secluded area near Basket Lake, where the situation escalated dramatically.

Torres reportedly ordered the victim out of the vehicle, forced him to strip down and kneel, and then placed a gun to the back of his head before pulling the trigger. The firearm did not discharge. Torres attempted to re-rack the weapon and fire again, but the victim managed to fight back and flee into a nearby orange grove.

The victim later emerged and was discovered by someone in Sebring, prompting a call to law enforcement. The victim's car, which had been stolen by Torres, was later found in Avon Park with a significant amount of blood inside.

Authorities located Torres around 6:45 p.m. Saturday in Sebring. He attempted to flee on foot but was captured following a brief chase.

Torres now faces multiple felony charges, including:

Attempted Second-Degree Murder
Armed Carjacking
Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
Kidnapping
False Imprisonment
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

Anyone with additional information about this case is urged to contact Detective Alexander Hill at detectives@highlandsheriff.org or call 863-402-7250. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the HCSO app, the P3tips app, or by contacting Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477), dialing TIPS on your cell, or visiting www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.

Note: All individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Man Survives Attempted Execution After Offering Ride to Acquaintance in Avon Park

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Man Survives Attempted Execution After Offering Ride to Acquaintance in Avon Park