MIDLOTHIAN, Va. -- The case of accused abductorDelvin Barnes, who is currently behind bars in Virginia, has drawn national attention to Charles City County. Deputies said Barnes kidnapped a 16-year old Richmond girl, who escaped, and less than two months later abducted a 22-year Carlesha Freeland-Gaither in Philadelphia.
Authorities said in both victims were able to escape safely by bravely taking action.
Freeland-Gaither smashed out the window in Barnes' car, threw her cell phone out the window, and handed over her ATM card, all moves that led detectives to Barnes, authorities previously said. Charles City County deputies said the 16-year old victim ran into the woods while Barnes was distracted and found her way to a store two-miles from where she was held.
Delvin Barnes
"Super quick thinking by these two girls; saved their lives," said self-defense expert Master English, the owner of Tactical Martial Arts in Midlothian.
English said media coverage of abduction cases like this one have led to a heightened awareness of self-defense in a modern world. As he showed a CBS 6 crews several simple techniques that could combat attackers, English stressed the importance of being prepared.
Self-defense expert Master English, the owner of Tactical Martial Arts in Midlothian.
"Awareness is something you have to practice every single day," said English.
Barnes is scheduled to appear in court in Charles City County on Wednesday.
