Overview
- Deputies stopped Darnell Hairston, 60, on Dec. 31 after a citizen recognized the registered sex offender driving with two youths and alerted authorities.
- An 11-year-old reported missing from St. Johns County was found in the truck and told deputies he feared being killed.
- Investigators say the child described being lured to a campsite, choked unconscious, tied and gagged, threatened with a knife and firearm, and forced to ride on the floorboard under a blanket.
- A 15-year-old in the truck fled during the arrest, rammed a patrol car, crashed, and now faces multiple charges while being investigated as a possible co‑conspirator.
- Search warrants at the vehicle, residence, and campsite recovered duct tape, weapons, and surveillance equipment that authorities say align with the victim’s account, and Hairston’s arraignment is set for Jan. 27.