An 11-year-old boy who had been reported missing was found safe in a truck registered to a Florida sex offender during a traffic stop. Amidst the confusion, a teenage boy, described as a potential accomplice in the kidnapping, was also detained following a chaotic pursuit.
Darnell Hairston, the registered sex offender, was driving on New Year’s Eve when someone familiar with him observed two young boys in his vehicle. This prompted a report to the authorities, as detailed by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies managed to locate Hairston and conducted a traffic stop, where the two boys were separated from him.
The missing 11-year-old, who had been unaccounted for three days, appeared “visibly traumatized and frightened,” according to police statements.
Once the child was safely secured in a patrol vehicle, officers attempted to apprehend Hairston, but he fled on foot.
Shortly thereafter, Hairston was captured and placed under arrest.
While Hairston was being handcuffed, the other boy took off in Hairston’s Ford F-150, attempting to escape the scene. This teenage boy almost collided with a deputy while speeding away.
As the deputy maneuvered to block the boy’s path, he swerved into oncoming traffic before deliberately crashing into the patrol vehicle, leading both vehicles into the woods where the boy’s truck eventually rolled over.
The boy, whose name is withheld due to his age, exited the vehicle and was quickly taken into custody. He faces charges, including grand theft auto.
During the chaotic scene, another deputy lost control and crashed into a local repair shop, resulting in minor injuries to two officers, although the 15-year-old remained unharmed.
Authorities suspect the boy was likely involved in the kidnapping alongside Hairston and may face further charges as the investigation unfolds. More information on his actions in the kidnapping hasn’t been disclosed yet.
While the 11-year-old victim was being interviewed at the hospital, he recounted being lured to a campsite where Hairston allegedly “strangled him until he lost consciousness.”
Upon regaining awareness, the boy reported being threatened with a knife and gun, restrained with shoelaces, and having duct tape placed over his mouth. He claimed he was made to stay hidden under blankets in the truck for several days.
Searches of Hairston’s vehicle, as well as locations tied to him, uncovered suspicious items, including duct tape, surveillance gear, and weapons, corroborating the boy’s accounts.
On Friday, detectives secured an arrest warrant for Hairston, citing additional charges like child kidnapping, aggravated child abuse, strangulation assault, and robbery with a weapon. He already faced a $125,000 bail for previous charges relating to assault, resisting officers, and attempting to seize a firearm from law enforcement.
Currently, Hairston is held without bail.
Sheriff Rick Staley mentioned that the prompt actions of witnesses and the deputy’s perceptiveness during the incident were crucial in rescuing the terrified child, whom Hairston allegedly intended to kill. Staley emphasized that the investigation was thorough, with efforts continuing throughout New Year’s Day to ensure the safety of the child and to capture Hairston.
Officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
