Teenage girl escapes kidnapper after being bound, drives suspect’s car to get help for friend, deputies say

CALHOUN COUNTY, S.C. (WIS/Gray News) - A man was arrested after allegedly kidnapping two 15-year-old girls in South Carolina.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office said 21-year-old Darrius Gilmore is charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, possession of a weapon during a violent crime and discharging a firearm into a vehicle.

Calhoun County Chief Deputy Matt Trentham said two 15-year-old girls took an Uber to Gilmore’s apartment. It is unclear why they went to his apartment, but authorities said Gilmore and the girls were acquainted.

Trentham said Gilmore accused the girls of stealing from him before forcing them into his car at gunpoint and binding them with tape. He then drove them to a remote location in Calhoun County.

Trentham said that Gilmore got out of the car and assaulted one of the girls with a gun. The other girl freed herself and drove away in Gilmore’s car, while he shot at her.

The girl drove to a gas station and told the people inside that she had been kidnapped. Calhoun County deputies arrived at the scene and found the other girl within minutes, Trentham said.

Gilmore was arrested and granted a $500,000 bond. As of Tuesday night, he is still in jail.