Police say the 18-year-old escaped by jumping from his Mini Cooper after a 40-minute ride.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A woman is accused of kidnapping an 18-year-old man from a south Charlotte gas station after getting into his Mini Cooper and driving away with him inside, police and court records say.
The case began around 6:20 p.m. June 25 at the Circle K at 421 Tyvola Road, where Griffin Haire had stopped while on his way home. Investigators said Amanda Gills, 44, entered Haire’s vehicle, claimed she was his designated driver and drove off. Haire, who has autism, remained inside the car during a ride that police said lasted about 40 minutes across parts of Charlotte.
According to police records, Gills told Haire to get in the car and said she was “the new designated driver.” Dashcam video from the Mini Cooper captured parts of the exchange, including Haire asking, “Who are you?” and saying he was scared of strangers. Police said Gills then drove from the Tyvola Road area toward East Independence Boulevard and later toward East W.T. Harris Boulevard. Haire stayed on the phone with family members during the ordeal, allowing them to relay his location to 911 as officers searched for the car.
Officers later spotted the Mini Cooper at a red light and tried to stop it, but police said Gills did not pull over. Authorities monitored the car as it continued through Charlotte. Court records say officers caught up with the vehicle near East W.T. Harris Boulevard and North Tryon Street. Haire jumped from the moving car and into traffic, causing Gills to stop, police said. Officers then conducted a felony traffic stop and took her into custody. Police have described the encounter as random, and no prior connection between Gills and Haire has been reported.
Dave Haire, Griffin Haire’s father, said his son had called him shortly before the incident to say he had lost his keys. He later heard panic in his son’s voice as the ride unfolded. “One of the scariest things that you can imagine happening, and it is our worst fears come to life,” Dave Haire said. He said his son stayed brave despite being frightened. The family said the car’s dashcam video helped show what happened inside the vehicle during the ride.
Gills was charged with second-degree kidnapping, larceny of a motor vehicle and fleeing to elude arrest. Jail records listed her in custody at the Mecklenburg County Jail without bond. Police said she was on probation at the time of the arrest, and reports also noted concerns about her mental health. The case remains active as investigators review records, video and witness accounts tied to the gas station stop and the police response.
Gills is scheduled to appear in court July 17. Haire survived the ordeal and was described by his father as safe after escaping near East W.T. Harris Boulevard and North Tryon Street.