Tri-Cities couple wanted for kidnapping and robbery. $250K nationwide warrant issued
A man and woman are accused of kidnapping a Kennewick man at gunpoint and demanding he turn over items they say he stole.
A $250,000 nationwide arrest warrant has been issued for Darren Birden, 55, and Leah Graham, 34.
They are charged with kidnapping and robbery after the victim fled the couple’s car in his bare feet, yelling for help, Kennewick Commander Isaac Merkl told the Tri-City Herald.
Birden and Graham allegedly went to a Kennewick home early on Dec. 17 with the plan to confront the man about some property they believed he had, Merkl said.
It isn’t clear if they forced their way in or were let in by the man. But after getting inside, they allegedly attacked him and threatened him with a gun, Merkl said. They then forced him into their vehicle and drove away with him, he said.
After they stopped somewhere, the man got out and ran barefoot from the car looking for help.
By the time officers arrived, Birden and Graham were gone.
Police did not share where the initial kidnapping took place or where the man escaped. Merkl said investigators aren’t ready to release that information yet to protect the investigation..
Birden and Graham are charged with first-degree robbery and first-degree kidnapping.
They are considered armed and dangerous, Kennewick police said in a Facebook post. People are asked to call 911 if they see them.
People can submit anonymous tips at kpdtips.com.
This story was originally published January 3, 2025 at 2:57 PM.