Man accused of assaulting multiple women in downtown Charleston

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Authorities arrested a man connected to at least three assaults that happened in downtown Charleston early Monday morning.

Officers with the Charleston Police Department were dispatched to the area of Zig Zag Alley and Atlantic Street around 7:30 a.m. after a woman reported being grabbed from behind while jogging.

Police said the suspect attempted to pull her away but ran off when she screamed for help.

“Less than ten minutes later, a second report came from the area of Meeting Street and South Battery. A man told police that an unknown individual grabbed and pulled on his wife before fleeing toward South Battery Street,” Charleston PD said.

The suspect was located and arrested within minutes of receiving the first call.

Officials said that while investigating the assaults, police were notified of a third victim who said she was walking her dog near Church Street and South Battery Street around midnight when an unknown person grabbed her from behind and forced her to the ground.

The woman told police she broke free after a brief struggle and escaped.

Each victim told police they believed the attacks were attempted abductions.

Willie Sturgis, 31, of North Charleston, was arrested and charged with three counts of kidnapping and one count of assault and battery in the first degree. He is being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center.

Detectives ask that any resident who lives in the incident locations check the last 24 hours of exterior camera footage as it may help their investigation. He was wearing a black sweatshirt and bright red pants during each assault.

Anyone who believes they may have seen or interacted with Sturgis in the last 24 hours is asked to contact CPD detectives at 843-720-2422 and request to speak with the on-duty Central Detective.