Two South Carolina teenagers are recovering after an alleged kidnapping ordeal that saw them held at gunpoint by Darrius Gilmore. The teens managed to escape after one of them chewed through her restraints and fled in their abductor’s car, driving to safety.
Gilmore, 27, was charged on March 28 with attempted murder, kidnapping, possession of a firearm during a violent crime, and discharging a firearm into a vehicle, according to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.
The Kidnapping and Escape
The harrowing events unfolded around 3 a.m. on March 28, when Gilmore allegedly took the two girls in an Uber to his home in Columbia, South Carolina. Once there, he is said to have bound the teens with tape before forcing them into his car at gunpoint. Gilmore then drove the victims to a remote location, threatening to kill them, according to Calhoun County Chief Deputy Matt Trentham.
At the second location, Gilmore allegedly left his car’s engine running, removed one of the girls, and began assaulting her by striking her in the head with a pistol. During this distraction, the other teen managed to chew through her restraints, move into the driver’s seat, and speed away. Gilmore allegedly fired at the car as the teen escaped.
The second girl managed to run to a nearby residence for help and received medical treatment for minor injuries.
Police Response and Investigation
Deputy Trentham praised the teen’s bravery, stating, “I think she was extremely brave.” Authorities were later able to recover a semi-automatic 9mm gun at the scene. Gilmore allegedly admitted to shooting at the car, claiming the teen had stolen it. While it is still unclear why the girls were with Gilmore in the Uber, police suspect he may have had an accomplice who was giving him guidance during the abduction.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Gilmore has been charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, and additional firearm-related offenses. It remains unclear whether he has entered a formal plea or been assigned an attorney. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are piecing together the details of the crime. Gilmore’s court appearance has not been scheduled at this time.
