Court records accuse Kenasia Guilford of restraining a fellow firefighter before taking his property and entering his home.
TOLEDO, Ohio — A Toledo firefighter faces four felony charges after police alleged she refused to release a fellow firefighter from handcuffs, took his cellphone and keys, drove away in his vehicle and later entered his home.
Kenasia Guilford, 33, is charged with abduction, theft, motor vehicle theft and burglary, according to court records. The allegations stem from a series of events on Sept. 22 in West Toledo. Guilford was arrested Friday and appeared in court Monday, where a judge set bail at $10,000 and ordered her to have no contact with the alleged victim. She also must wear a GPS ankle monitor while the case is pending.
Police affidavits allege the encounter began at a home in the 3600 block of Garrison. The man initially consented to being handcuffed to a staircase, according to the records, but police said Guilford later refused to unlock the handcuffs. The man eventually broke free while he was still handcuffed. The records allege he had been restrained long enough to fear for his safety.
Authorities allege the incident then expanded beyond the restraint. Police said Guilford took the man’s cellphone as well as his car keys and house keys. She is accused of taking his vehicle and leaving it at another location. Investigators also allege she later used a key to enter the man’s home without permission.
Police officers who responded to the home found Guilford in an upstairs bedroom, according to the records. The alleged victim is a Toledo Fire and Rescue Department captain, and the department confirmed his position. Guilford’s attorney told the court that Guilford and the man had been in a relationship.
During Monday’s court appearance, Guilford’s attorney described the events as arising from a personal relationship and said the situation initially involved consensual conduct before escalating. The attorney argued that Guilford did not pose a threat to the community and told the court that she had no prior criminal record.
The judge nevertheless imposed conditions intended to keep Guilford away from the alleged victim while the case proceeds. In addition to setting bail at $10,000, the court issued a no-contact order and required GPS monitoring. The charges remain allegations, and the court has not made a finding of guilt.
Questions also remain about Guilford’s employment. Toledo Fire and Rescue confirmed information about the alleged victim but declined to comment when asked about Guilford’s employment status. Guilford also works as a registered nurse at the Lucas County Jail and was placed on administrative leave Friday.
The reported timeline leaves another unresolved issue. The alleged events occurred Tuesday, Sept. 22, but Guilford was not arrested and booked until Friday. As of the latest reporting, Toledo police had not publicly explained the gap between the alleged incident and the arrest.
Guilford is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Oct. 14. The criminal case remains pending, and the allegations against her have not been proven in court.
Author note: Last updated September 29, 2026.