The Charleston Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with three assaults that occurred downtown early Monday morning.
Officers were dispatched to the area of Zig Zag Alley and Atlantic Street around 7:30 a.m. on March 31, 2025, after a woman reported being grabbed from behind while jogging. The suspect attempted to pull her away but fled on foot 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.
Patrol officers located and arrested the suspect within minutes of receiving the first call.
While investigating these assaults, police were contacted by a third victim. She reported walking her dog near Church Street and South Battery Street around midnight on March 31, 2025, when an unknown suspect grabbed her from behind and forced her to the ground. After a brief struggle, she broke free and escaped. All victims told police they believed the attacks were attempted abductions.
Following the investigation, detectives charged Willie Sturgis (31 of North Charleston) with three counts of kidnapping and one count of assault and battery in the first degree. Sturgis is in custody at the Al Cannon Detention Center pending a bond hearing.
Detectives are requesting residents who live in the area to check their last 24 hours of exterior camera footage. Sturgis 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 or send a tip via e-mail at https://charlestonpd.fususvault.com/tips.
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