Camden, SC – A Camden man is facing multiple charges after a violent kidnapping incident that spanned several locations in Kershaw County on Wednesday, September 17.
According to the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and Camden police responded to the intersection of Dicey Creek Road and Broad Street after a woman ran into a business claiming her boyfriend was attempting to kill her. Investigators say the pair had been in a relationship that turned violent, prompting the woman to flee for safety.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Raymond Lewis Bailey, allegedly returned to a residence on Dogwood Lane in Cassatt, where he forced another couple at gunpoint to drive him to the victim’s location. Once there, Bailey allegedly entered the home armed and forced his girlfriend into another car, demanding she drive.
Authorities say Bailey grabbed the wheel during the drive, causing the car to crash into a telephone pole. He and his girlfriend were then picked up by the couple who had been following. On a side road, Bailey allegedly assaulted the woman before forcing all parties back into the car.
The vehicle later became disabled again near Dicey Creek Road. Officials say the victim escaped into a nearby business, where she asked employees to call law enforcement. Bailey was located shortly after on Broad Street and arrested without further incident.
Sheriff Lee Boan thanked local agencies for their assistance and said, “I thank God none of our victims were killed during this incident.”
Bailey is charged with multiple counts of kidnapping, burglary, weapons violations, assault, and domestic violence. He is being held at the Kershaw County Detention Center pending a bond hearing.
