DARLINGTON, MD – Residents of a Maryland suburb were startled to see a dramatic scene unfold during morning rush hour last week as a man with his hands bound behind his back sprinted down a busy road. Authorities later revealed that the man had been kidnapped, held captive for over 20 hours, and subjected to repeated beatings before seizing the opportunity to flee.
Three individuals from Darlington have been apprehended and charged in connection with the harrowing ordeal. Chris Lamar Cochran, 48, is facing charges of kidnapping, first and second-degree assault, and false imprisonment. Grace Elizabeth Amanda Johnson, 38, faces first and second-degree assault, as well as false imprisonment charges. Leland Charles Lewis, 48, is charged with first and second-degree assault, false imprisonment, and reckless endangerment.
The Maryland State Police responded to reports of a suspicious activity at approximately 8:20 a.m. on March 10, when a call came in regarding a man bound and running in the road near 4200 Conowingo Road, located about 45 miles northeast of Baltimore.
First responders arrived promptly and spoke with the distressed victim, who recounted his experience of being violently assaulted and confined. He managed to escape that morning when he was left unattended, according to a police statement. The victim was then flown to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center for treatment by Maryland State Police Aviation Command.
After an initial investigation, the police identified Cochran, Johnson, and Lewis as suspects in the case. Charging documents reveal more details about the events that transpired.
The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, recounted to authorities his ordeal began on the morning of March 9. He was en route to assist his girlfriend’s brother with car repairs when he was suddenly ambushed by the trio. He was allegedly beaten, bound, gagged, and detained in a garage for nearly an entire day before his daring escape.
The victim was reportedly still bound and gagged as he ran for his life, later receiving medical attention for multiple injuries, including a potential broken eye socket that necessitated specialized treatment.
While Cochran faces the most severe charges, the involvement of Johnson and Lewis is significant as they allegedly witnessed the victim’s captivity and failed to intervene or seek help.
Authorities have not yet established a motive for the abduction and subsequent assault.