PORT ST. LUCIE – A 64-year-old man was arrested on May 31 on attempted kidnapping charges when he allegedly tried to force a woman into a car against her will while armed with a handgun, according to Port St. Lucie Police reports.

Jose Tsu Zamora of North Miami Beach approached a 74-year-old woman, with whom he had a romantic relationship at one time, outside the First United Methodist Church in the 2600 block of Southwest Prima Vista Boulevard, Port St. Lucie, on May 31 at about 10:49 a.m., according to police reports.

Witnesses told police that Zamora tried to force her into a nearby car.

Two Good Samaritans confronted Zamora and ordered him to release the woman, according to police reports.

Witnesses then said that Zamora, who was seen with a gun, got into a car and drove away, according to police reports.

Investigators learned that the victim had an active injunction for protection against Zamora.

In reviewing surveillance video from the church, detectives saw Zamora chasing the victim through the parking lot, physically restraining her, and attempting to force her to a car, according to police reports.

Detectives also confirmed Zamora is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Zamora was located and taken into custody without incident by Port St. Lucie Police and the US Marshals at the 8700 block of NW 186 Street, Hialeah later that day.

He was charged with:

• Attempted kidnapping while armed with a firearm;

• Battery on a person 65 years of age or older;

• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon;

• Aggravated stalking (violation of injunction);

• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Zamora is at the St. Lucie County Jail on a $745,000 bond, according to police reports.

“This case highlights the outstanding work of our detectives and the courage of Port St. Lucie citizens who were willing to step in and help protect another person in a very dangerous situation,” Port St. Lucie Police Chief Leo Niemczyk said in a statement. “We are grateful the victim was not seriously injured and that this individual is now in custody. PSLPD remains committed to protecting victims of domestic violence and holding offenders accountable.”