An 18-year-old man with autism was kidnapped at a Charlotte gas station by a woman who allegedly forced him into his own car and drove him around the city for approximately 40 minutes before he escaped by jumping from the moving vehicle, authorities said.
Griffin Haire stopped at the Circle K located at 421 Tyvola Road in Charlotte on June 25 around 6:20 p.m. The teen had just pulled into the gas station on his way home when Amanda Gills approached him outside his Mini Cooper, according to police.
"Get in the car," Gills allegedly told Haire. "I'm your designated driver. You are under the influence, and I have a drive for you."
Haire's father, Dave Haire, showed WSOC-TV dashcam footage from the vehicle that captured the incident. In the video, the confused teen can be heard asking, "Who are you? I'm scared of strangers."
Background
Gills allegedly forced her way into the driver's seat and proceeded to drive Haire throughout Charlotte, authorities said. During the ride, she allegedly told him she was going to show him a "good time" and take him to the old part of town.
"Oh, no," Haire said in the dashcam footage. "There's a monster."
Throughout the ordeal, Haire remained on the phone with his family, who relayed his location to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers. Law enforcement tracked the vehicle as Gills allegedly drove erratically through the city.
"There's a cop," Haire told Gills during one of several attempts to get her to pull over. "Pull over."
The Investigation
Instead of stopping, Gills allegedly accelerated and led officers on a pursuit. Authorities deployed a helicopter to monitor the vehicle from above while ground units followed, according to police reports.
Eventually, Gills slowed the vehicle—and Haire made his escape by jumping out of the moving car. Officers then conducted a felony traffic stop and took Gills into custody without further incident.
Gills, 44, has been charged with second-degree kidnapping, larceny of a motor vehicle, and fleeing and eluding arrest, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. She remains in the Mecklenburg County Jail without bond.
Investigators said Gills is currently on probation and allegedly has mental health issues. Court records indicate she is scheduled to appear before a judge on July 17.
"What happened was one of the scariest things that you could imagine happening, and it is our worst fears come to life," Dave Haire told WSOC-TV, expressing pride in his son's ability to remain calm during the kidnapping. "He did exactly what he should have done."
Key Takeaways
- Griffin Haire, 18, was kidnapped at a Charlotte gas station while returning home from running an errand
- Amanda Gills allegedly told the teen she was his "designated driver" before forcing him into his own Mini Cooper
- The victim remained on the phone with family throughout the approximately 40-minute ordeal, allowing authorities to track his location
- Officers spotted the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop; Gills fled before Haire escaped from the moving car
- Gills faces charges of second-degree kidnapping, larceny of a motor vehicle, and fleeing and eluding arrest
What's Next
Gills is being held without bond at the Mecklenburg County Jail pending her scheduled court appearance on July 17. The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare their case. Authorities continue to review dashcam footage and gather additional evidence related to the alleged kidnapping.
Dave Haire said his son is recovering from the traumatic experience and praised law enforcement for their quick response in locating the vehicle.