- January 4, 2026
An 11-year-old boy rescued on Dec. 31 told Flagler Sheriff Office deputies he was kidnapped.
The victim had previously been reported missing three days prior and was found with another minor and Darnell Hairston, a registered sex offender, during a traffic stop. An individual had called 911 when they saw Hairston — who they knew he was a registered sex offender — with two juveniles, according to a FCSO press release.
FCSO deputies pulled over Hairston on Dec. 31, and the traumatized 11-year-old told deputies that they believed they would be killed if deputies did not intervene, the press release said.
Hairston tried to flee the scene on foot and to take a deputy’s firearm, but was quickly detained by FCSO deputies.
During a follow up interview, the 11-year-old told detectives he was lured to a wooded campsite in Flagler Estates and Hairston choked him until he lost consciousness, the press release said. When the child woke up, he said Hairston threatened him with a knife and a gun and tied up the victim with shoelaces and an extension cord and placed duct tape over his mouth.
The victim said he was held at the campsite for several days and was forced to travel on the floor of the truck under a blanket. Evidence was found in Hairston’s truck, at the campsite and at Hairston’s Hastings residence that supported the child’s statements.
He is now facing kidnapping, aggravated child abuse, battery and robbery charges, as well as resisting arrest with violence and attempting to deprive a law enforcement officer of their firearm. He is being held at the Flagler County jail without bond.
The second juvenile attempted to steal Hairston's truck and flee from the traffic stop on Dec. 31, and is facing multiple charges. Though the investigation is ongoing, the teenager is possibly a co-conspirator in the kidnapping, the FCSO press release said. He is currently in the custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
