Police arrest suspect for attempted sexual assault at West Ashley gym

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston Police have arrested a man accused of attempting to sexually assault a person at a West Ashley fitness center.

Richard Isiah Whitney, 25, of Charleston, was arrested and charged with assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct.

Sgt. Chris Stinson said Whitney followed the victim into a private area in the West Ashley Planet Fitness on Sam Rittenberg Boulevard on July 24.

Whitney then grabbed the victim and attempted to assault them sexually; however, the victim was able to break away and flee.

Whitney was arrested and booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center on Saturday. He has since been released from jail on a $5,000 bond.

Charleston Police say the investigation into this incident is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call the on-duty central detective at 843-720-2422.