LCSD Release – A Myrtle Beach teen is accused of robbing and kidnapping a cab driver in Lexington County Thursday.

Blake Austin McGrath, 19, was formally charged Friday morning with armed robbery, kidnapping and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to arrest warrants.

“Based on information we gathered at the scene, McGrath booked the taxi for a ride home to Myrtle Beach,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “He was picked up at a store, and as the cab drove toward Interstate 20, he pulled a gun and told the driver to not ‘do anything stupid’ or he would shoot him.”

The cab driver was able to get away after he pulled into a convenience store parking lot near I-20, according to Koon.

“McGrath ran away from the cab and someone called 911,” Koon said. “We set up a perimeter and arrested McGrath a short time later after we found him hiding in a nearby store’s restroom. Fortunately, nobody was hurt during the incident.”

McGrath is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center.