Clearwater man accused of trying to stab woman he picked up for sex

CLEARWATER — Police say a man threatened to stab a homeless woman he had picked up for sex.

Steven Robert Moniz, 45, of 1309 Melonwood Ave., Clearwater, was charged with kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

According to Clearwater police, Moniz picked up the 42-year-old woman around 5:15 a.m. Tuesday, drove to 1345 Park St. and parked behind the building.

Moniz and the woman, who has a previous conviction for soliciting for prostitution, got into the back of the 2006 white Ford Econoline van that Moniz was driving, according to police.

Once they were in the back of the van, Moniz pulled out a knife, tried to stab the woman and threatened to kill her, police said.

The woman kicked Moniz and escaped, police said.

Moniz drove off, but was found around 4:15 a.m. Wednesday after Clearwater police spotted the van in the parking lot of Rhodes Funeral Home, 800 Druid Road.

Police said they found a knife inside the van.

On Wednesday afternoon, Moniz was being held in the Pinellas County Jail in lieu of $55,000 bail.