Man held in kidnapping, brutal beating of girlfriend

Mother of 2 remains in trauma center 4 days after attack

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man accused of holding the mother of two hostage for two days and brutally beating her was arrested Sunday night and on Monday was ordered held on $150,000 bond.

The 22-year-old victim told police her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Joshua Thompson, 23, became violent after an argument in his home over her fidelity. Storm Hardy's sister said the beating began Tuesday and she was able to crawl to a neighbor's house Wednesday, where police were called.

Hardy remains hospitalized with serious injuries, including a broken rib and a collapsed lung. She had to undergo emergency surgery to stop the internal bleeding.

According to family, Hardy was placed in a medically induced coma. A GoFundMe page set by Hardy's sister says she is in the hospital's trauma wing. The family is asking for donations to help with medical expenses and to help care for Hardy's two sons while she recovers.

"She’s been fighting for her life," Hardy's sister, Megan Hardy, told News4Jax. "They wanted to bring her out of the coma on Friday to do surgery, but her organs and everything were so swollen. They had to wait until Saturday."

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office report, there were other people in the home where she was being held, but they did not attempt to intervene. Hardy's sister said they were all men.

"Nobody stopped it. Nobody stood up for her. Nobody called police. Nobody did anything," Megan Hardy said.

Police had been searching for Thompson since Wednesday evening. He was arrested on Sunday, but police have not said where.


About the Author:

Scott is a multi-Emmy Award Winning Anchor and Reporter, who also hosts the “Going Ringside With The Local Station” Podcast. Scott has been a journalist for 25 years, covering stories including six presidential elections, multiple space shuttle launches and dozens of high-profile murder trials.