Two 15-year-old girls are safe after authorities say they were kidnapped, restrained, and driven from Richland County to Calhoun County by a man who allegedly intended to kill them. 

Investigators say the girls, both from Richland County, were abducted early Saturday by Darrius Gilmore. Deputies with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a possible kidnapping after the suspect drove for hours and stopped in a remote area. 

“The girls said he intended to kill them,” the sheriff said. 

Authorities say one of the teens was taken out of the vehicle while the other remained inside. At that point, the second teen chewed through her bindings, climbed into the front seat, and drove away in the suspect’s vehicle. 

Investigators say the suspect struck the girl outside the car with a gun and attempted to force her to undress before shooting her. As the other teen fled in the vehicle, the suspect fired multiple shots at it. During the chaos, the girl who had been outside ran into nearby woods and escaped. 

The teen who drove away made it to a truck stop and got help, allowing both victims to reach safety. 

After the girls escaped, authorities say the suspect went door to door in the area looking for them. A nearby resident said the man approached a neighbor’s home with a suspicious story. 

“He said that the actual kidnapper came to his house and lied and said his car was hijacked,” neighbor Kelley Prevatte said. 

Residents in the rural community say the incident has shaken them. 

“We are a close-knit community. Things like that don’t usually happen out here,” Prevatte said. 

Gilmore is in custody. His bond was set at $500,000, and he is awaiting a preliminary hearing. Authorities say he faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, assault, and attempted murder. 

Officials said the investigation is ongoing.