by Flagler County, Florida — A missing 11-year-old boy was rescued during a dramatic traffic stop on New Year’s Eve after deputies discovered him inside the truck of a registered sex offender, triggering a chaotic series of events that included a foot chase, a stolen vehicle, and a violent crash involving a teenage suspect.
Authorities say the child had been missing for three days and was found “clearly traumatized and in fear” when deputies intervened.
Tip leads deputies to suspect vehicle
According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Department, the investigation began when someone familiar with Darnell Hairston’s sex offender status reported seeing two juveniles riding in his vehicle on New Year’s Eve.
Deputies located Hairston’s truck and initiated a traffic stop. During the stop, both juveniles were safely separated from Hairston. One of them was quickly identified as the missing 11-year-old boy.
Law enforcement officials said the child showed visible signs of fear and distress and was immediately placed in a patrol vehicle for protection.
Suspect flees on foot during arrest
As deputies moved to arrest Hairston, he fled the scene on foot, according to authorities. He was captured shortly afterward and taken into custody.
But the situation escalated further moments later.
Teen steals truck, leads deputies on dangerous chase
While Hairston was being handcuffed, the other juvenile, a 15-year-old boy, allegedly jumped into Hairston’s Ford F-150 and sped away from the traffic stop.
The sheriff’s office said the teen nearly struck a deputy as he fled, prompting a high-risk pursuit. During the chase, a deputy maneuvered ahead of the truck in an attempt to stop it.
Authorities said the teen then drove into oncoming traffic, swerved back, and intentionally rammed the deputy’s patrol vehicle.
The collision sent both vehicles crashing into the woods, causing the truck to roll. The teen exited the vehicle and was quickly arrested.
Multiple crashes, injuries reported
During the pursuit, another deputy lost control of his patrol vehicle and struck an automotive repair building.
Authorities said two deputies suffered minor injuries, while the 15-year-old suspect was not injured. The teen was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle and other offenses. His identity has not been released due to his age.
Investigators noted the teen is “possibly a co-conspirator” in the kidnapping and could face additional charges as the investigation continues.
Child recounts terrifying ordeal
While being treated at a hospital, the 11-year-old victim told investigators he was lured to a wooded campsite in Flagler Estates, where Hairston allegedly choked him until he lost consciousness.
According to police, after the child regained consciousness, he was:
- Threatened with a knife and a firearm
- Tied with shoelaces and an extension cord
- Had duct tape placed over his mouth
The child said he was held at the campsite for multiple days and was forced to travel on the floorboard of the truck, hidden under a blanket.
Search uncovers evidence supporting child’s claims
Deputies executed search warrants at Hairston’s vehicle, his home in Hastings, and the wooded campsite.
Authorities said they recovered duct tape, surveillance equipment, and weapons, all of which aligned with the child’s account of what happened.
Additional charges filed against suspect
On Friday, detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging Hairston with multiple additional felonies, including:
- Kidnapping of a child under 13
- Aggravated child abuse
- Battery by strangulation
- Robbery with a deadly weapon
Hairston had already been jailed on a $125,000 bond for resisting an officer with violence and attempting to deprive an officer of their firearm during his initial arrest.
Authorities confirmed he is now being held without bond.
Sheriff credits tip and deputies’ instincts
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly praised the tipster and deputies involved in the rescue.
“Clearly, thanks to ‘see something, say something’ and our deputies recognizing the victim was very afraid, we rescued a missing child who was in fear Hairston had planned to kill him,” Staly said.
He added that investigators worked around the clock following the initial arrest.
“Our team put in a tremendous amount of effort — working throughout the day, night, and well into the early hours of New Year’s Day — to make sure this child was protected and this pervert would be arrested for the crimes he committed.”
Investigation remains active
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges could be filed as detectives continue reviewing evidence and conducting interviews.
The rescued child remains under medical care and protection.
What more should be done to monitor registered offenders and prevent crimes like this?
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