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Suspects wanted for tying up Utah family say they will ‘go out in a blaze of glory’

Posted at 4:21 PM, May 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-11 23:33:21-04

Centerville kidnapping suspectCENTERVILLE, Utah - Authorities are searching for the two suspects who are considered armed and dangerous after they allegedly kidnapped a Utah mother and her four daughters and tied them up in a basement.

Police were looking for two cars in the search for accused kidnappers DJ Harrison and his father Flint Harrison, however, both vehicles were located Wednesday and the suspects remain at large.

Believing that family members may be helping the Harrisons flee, police were trying to find a 1997 white Buick La Sabre with Utah plate 8772F, which may have a handicap decal. They were also looking for a 2008 silver Chevy AVEO with Idaho plate IT36339.

The family of the suspects were questioned for hours in Bountiful Wednesday night outside the home of DJ Harrison's grandmothers, located near 800 North 250 West.

Police say D.J Harrison lived there off and on with his grandma. DJ's mom was handcuffed for about 30 minutes outside the house while police spoke with her. They said the reason  she was detained was because she wasn't cooperating, but no arrests were made. Once police left the home a family friend, who protected her identity, spoke with FOX 13 News briefly.

"Dereck, you just need to come home and turn yourself in, Flint you can die for all I care," the woman said.

DJ's mother told Fox 13 over the phone that she believed both men were high on meth and that's what led to these alleged crimes.

According to police, the adult victim knew 51-year-old Flint Wayne Harrison and his son, 22-year-old Dereck James (DJ) Harrison, who allegedly lured her and her teen daughters into a Centerville home and restrained them with zip ties, threatening them with a shotgun and beating them with a baseball bat.

The five women were able to escape to call 911 while the men got away in a silver 2011 Chevrolet Suburban with Wyoming plate AR83G. Police stated Wednesday that vehicle was abandoned Firebreak Road above Farmington.

Police believe the men may have been picked up and driven to Salt Lake City Tuesday night.

Centerville kidnapping suspcts 1

Who are the suspects? 

Official documents state Flint and DJ's family said the men had been heavily using drugs over the last few days.

Flint is a sex offender with a history of forcible sex abuse. 

Police said the men may be armed with a shotgun and other weapons.

Authorities said Flint's wife told them he lives in Wyoming and that he had said he "did not want to go back to prison" and would "shoot any officers and go out in a blaze of glory."

Officers have intercepted texts from DJ's relative saying they will help them hide and evade police.

Police learned the men had recently stayed at a Best Western in North Salt Lake but the suspects had already checked out when officers arrived.

Family members told police the men may be "hiding in the mountains because they have gear to go deep and hide."