by Palm Coast, FL – A 60-year-old Florida man was arrested and is facing multiple serious charges after allegedly kidnapping an 11-year-old boy at a campsite and restraining him with shoelaces and duct tape, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
The harrowing case unfolded over the final days of 2025, culminating in the suspect’s capture thanks to vigilant deputies and community tips.
Investigation Begins After Missing Child Report
The investigation started on December 31, when the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding sex offender Darnell Hairston, who was reportedly traveling with two juveniles, including one who had been missing for three days.
Deputies stopped Hairston’s pickup truck with a camper topper on U.S. Highway 1 at Palm Coast Parkway. Authorities noted that Hairston appeared anxious and unable to remain still, raising immediate suspicion.
During the stop, deputies separated one of the juveniles from Hairston to speak with him privately. While this occurred, Hairston attempted to flee the scene, slipping on the roadway. A deputy tackled him, and Hairston allegedly tried to grab the officer’s gun during the struggle. He was ultimately taken into custody, while the second juvenile reportedly drove away and was later arrested.
Victim’s Account of Kidnapping
The 11-year-old boy told investigators that he had been lured to a campsite, where Hairston allegedly choked him until he lost consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, the boy said Hairston threatened him with a gun and knife before tying him up with shoelaces and an extension cord, covering his mouth with duct tape.
The victim was reportedly held for several days and forced to lie on the floorboard of the suspect’s truck while covered with a blanket during travel. Deputies described the boy as traumatized and fearful.
Evidence Recovered
Investigators conducted searches of Hairston’s vehicle, home, and campsite, recovering duct tape, video surveillance equipment, and weapons consistent with the victim’s statements.
In a post-arrest interview after being read his Miranda rights, Hairston allegedly admitted to knowing the boy was missing but never reported it to authorities.
Charges and Detention
Hairston now faces a wide array of charges, including:
- Kidnapping of a child under 13
- Aggravated child abuse
- Battery by strangulation
- Robbery with a deadly weapon
- Resisting arrest with violence
He is currently held without bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and is slated to appear in court on January 27. Florida’s sex offender registry notes that Hairston has previous convictions for lewd and lascivious behavior with a child under 16 and false imprisonment.
Sheriff Praises Deputies’ Quick Action
Sheriff Rick Staly praised deputies and the community for their role in rescuing the child:
“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.
“In the hours after Hairston was initially arrested, our team put in a tremendous amount of effort — working day and night, processing multiple crime scenes, and conducting interviews — to ensure this child was protected and that this pervert would be arrested for his crimes.”
Authorities emphasized that the suspect poses a significant danger, and the investigation remains ongoing to ensure all aspects of the crime are thoroughly documented.
How should communities respond to protect children from repeat sex offenders? Should stricter monitoring be imposed? Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below.
