Executive Summary
- Kenneth Cole Harp faces charges of kidnapping and carjacking in Tamarac.
- Authorities allege Harp forced a driver to withdraw $500 after entering his vehicle.
- The suspect claimed the incident was a “voluntary paid ride” during questioning.
- Harp is currently held without bond at the Broward County Main Jail.
A 42-year-old man has been charged with kidnapping and carjacking after authorities allege he commandeered a vehicle at a Tamarac gas station and forced the driver to withdraw cash. The incident occurred shortly after 8 a.m. on Friday at a 7-Eleven located at 7901 W. Commercial Blvd.
According to the arrest report filed by the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), the suspect, identified as Kenneth Cole Harp of Tamarac, entered the victim’s vehicle while the driver was seated inside. Deputies stated that Harp ordered the victim to drive to a secondary location and demanded the driver’s cellphone. Investigators allege that Harp coerced the victim into contacting a friend to send $500 via Zelle.
Following the digital transfer, Harp allegedly forced the victim to drive to an ATM to withdraw the funds, authorities said. The victim subsequently reported the incident to law enforcement and identified Harp in a photo lineup. Deputies located Harp in Hollywood later that day and took him into custody.
During interrogation, Harp reportedly admitted to entering the vehicle and telling the victim he was “in trouble,” but he denied the kidnapping allegations. According to the report, Harp characterized the event as a “voluntary paid ride” and suggested the victim might have been scared because he “jumped in the car.”
Judicial Proceedings
Kenneth Cole Harp is currently being held at the Broward County Main Jail without bond on charges of kidnapping, robbery/carjacking, and fraudulent use of another’s identification. As the case moves to the prosecutorial phase, the judicial system will assess the conflicting narratives regarding the alleged coercion versus the suspect’s claim of a consensual ride. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
