An Ohio firefighter is facing several criminal charges after authorities say a consensual encounter with her boyfriend escalated into an alleged abduction, theft and break-in.
Kenasia Guilford, 33, appeared in a Toledo court on Monday following allegations that she handcuffed her boyfriend, a fellow firefighter and department captain, to a staircase before leaving him trapped.
The man was eventually able to free himself from the staircase but remained in handcuffs while seeking help.
Victim Was Initially Handcuffed Consensually
According to court records, the incident began as a consensual encounter.
The original complaint states that Guilford handcuffed the man to a staircase for what was described as consensual sexual activity.
However, authorities allege that the situation changed when Guilford refused to release him.
The victim subsequently became fearful for his safety, according to the court documents.
Man Had to Gnaw Himself Free
Unable to persuade Guilford to unlock the restraints, the man reportedly resorted to an extraordinary method of escape.
He gnawed at the handcuffs until he was able to detach himself from the staircase, although the restraints remained around his wrists.
He then left the property and sought assistance from a friend.
The man reportedly had to wait until police arrived before the handcuffs could be completely removed.
Friend Called 911 After Seeing Him
The victim’s friend was the person who contacted emergency services after encountering him at around 4am.
The friend told the outlet that the man wanted him to remain nearby while he went to retrieve his vehicle.
However, while waiting, the friend allegedly saw Guilford running through the darkness toward the victim’s home.
The situation prompted him to contact 911 and explain what had happened.
Guilford Allegedly Took His Phone and Car
Police records also accuse Guilford of taking the man’s phone and car during the incident.
The circumstances surrounding how the victim communicated with his friend despite allegedly losing possession of his phone remain unclear.
The friend told the 911 dispatcher that the victim had been carrying a backpack but no longer had his phone, suggesting that Guilford may have taken it.
He also speculated that taking the phone could have been connected to why the man had been restrained.
Police Found Her Inside the Home
The allegations did not end with the handcuffing incident.
According to court records, Guilford allegedly took a key to the man’s home from his bag and subsequently entered the property.
Toledo police later found her hiding inside an upstairs bedroom.
The discovery added to the allegations surrounding the encounter and resulted in additional charges.
Attorney Points to Troubling Personal Circumstances
During Monday’s court appearance, Guilford’s attorney, Richard Mitchell, described the case as stemming from a relationship between the defendant and alleged victim.
Mitchell said information discovered by Guilford had created circumstances that he characterized as deeply concerning and traumatic.
The attorney’s comments came as the case moved forward in court, with Guilford facing the allegations against her.
Court Imposes Restrictions on Guilford
Guilford was granted bail set at $10,000 while the case proceeds.
The court also issued a no-contact order preventing her from contacting the alleged victim.
In addition, she has been placed under electronic monitoring with an ankle bracelet.
These restrictions will remain in place while the criminal proceedings continue.
Next Court Appearance Set for October 15
Guilford is scheduled to return to court in Toledo on October 15.
The case remains pending, and the allegations against her have not been established as fact in court.
Authorities and Guilford’s attorney have been approached for comment on the case.
