An alleged kidnapping victim was able to flee from her captor at a convenience store in Jackson County on Thursday.
According to deputies with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was kidnapped from her home in Alabama and sexually assaulted in multiple jurisdictions by her ex-boyfriend, later identified as Melvin Hill. The victim was able to escape, running into the Circle K convenience store in St. Martin and asking employees for help.
Hill tried to escape back to Alabama, but deputies were able to bring him into custody without incident. Hill was charged with one count of kidnapping, motor vehicle theft, and sexual battery.
Additional charges in neighboring jurisdictions are forthcoming.
