Two teenagers from South Carolina found themselves at the center of a harrowing ordeal when they were reportedly kidnapped and held at gunpoint. Their terrifying experience took a dramatic turn when one of the teens managed to escape by chewing through her restraints and driving away in their captor’s vehicle.

Darrius Gilmore now faces serious charges, including attempted murder, kidnapping, possession of a firearm during a violent crime, and discharging a firearm into a vehicle. These charges were announced on March 28 by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, as detailed in a press release. As of now, it remains unclear if Gilmore has entered a plea or secured legal representation.

According to Calhoun County Chief Deputy Matt Trentham, in the early hours of March 28, the two teens had traveled with Gilmore via Uber to his residence in Columbia, South Carolina. Trentham revealed at a press conference on March 31, as reported by WIS News 10, that the situation took a terrifying turn when Gilmore allegedly taped the girls, held them at gunpoint, and drove them to a secluded area with threats to their lives.

Upon reaching a second location, Gilmore reportedly left the car running and began physically assaulting one of the teens with a pistol. Seizing the opportunity amidst the chaos, the other teen bravely chewed through her bindings, took control of the vehicle, and drove away to seek help, leaving Gilmore distracted.

Chief Deputy Trentham commended her actions, stating, “I think she was extremely brave.” Her courageous escape not only saved herself but also led to the eventual rescue of her friend, highlighting her quick thinking and bravery in a life-threatening situation.

As Trentham hailed, “I think she was extremely brave.”

While Gilmore allegedly fired his gun at the departing car, the second teen ran to a residence for safety and, according to Trentham, later received medical treatment for minor injuries.

Gilmore allegedly admitted to shooting the car, claiming the teen had stolen it, said Trentham, who noted police found a semi-automatic 9mm gun at the scene. 

It’s unclear why the teens were with Gilmore in the Uuber, explained Trentham, admitting they came very close to a “tragic end.”  

“We believe that he was actually communicating with someone,” Trentham said of a possible accomplice, “and they were giving him advice…on what he needed to do.” 

It’s unclear when Gilmore will next appear in court.