Two Armed Residents Hold Knife-Wielding Woman at Gunpoint Outside Polk County Dollar General

A Kissimmee woman was arrested after she allegedly threatened customers with a knife inside a Polk County Dollar General, and two armed residents held her at gunpoint until law enforcement arrived, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Grady Judd said 36-year-old Natalia Gaviria was heavily intoxicated when she walked into the store. Once inside, she reportedly pulled out a knife, waved it around and threatened people who were shopping.

Employees moved quickly to get customers out of the building and called 911. Investigators said that during the encounter, Gaviria stabbed a soda bottle in the store.

Two residents then drew their concealed firearms and kept Gaviria at gunpoint until officers got there. Judd pointed out that under Florida law, residents do not need a permit to carry a concealed firearm.

"Way to go Polk County," Judd said. "When we got there, you may say the caper was over."

Gaviria was taken into custody and charged with disorderly intoxication, theft of the stabbed soda bottle and two counts of assault.

The sheriff also confirmed that Gaviria is in the United States illegally and is originally from Colombia. "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.

Judd praised the residents who stepped in. "Congratulations citizens. You did what was right. You intervened when a violent felony was occurring. You kept everyone safe until the sheriff's office arrived," he said. Addressing Gaviria, he added: "when we're finished sending you to prison, you're on your way back to Colombia."

Several details remain unclear. Authorities have not released the identities of the two armed residents who intervened, and it is not known how long Gaviria was inside the store before they stepped in. The account is based on statements from Judd and the sheriff's office.