News Summary
A woman reported a disturbing incident of nonconsensual touching outside the Food Lion in Bluffton. The assailant approached her as she headed to her car and inappropriately touched her before claiming to be looking for money. The local authorities are investigating, with DNA evidence collected and a description of the suspect provided. This event raises community concerns about safety in public areas. In a related matter, an unrelated charge of third-degree criminal sexual conduct has emerged involving another Bluffton resident.
Bluffton, SC
A woman has reported an incident of nonconsensual touching that occurred outside the Food Lion in Bluffton on August 25 at approximately 9:30 a.m. The altercation happened as the woman exited the store and approached her vehicle, which was parked about five rows from the entrance.
According to the report, as the woman walked towards her car, an unidentified man placed himself between her and the car door. He then proceeded to touch her lower calf, moving his hand up her thigh while attempting to push up her dress. The woman managed to push the man’s hands away, after which the man claimed he was looking for money. He subsequently distanced himself from the vehicle, allowing the woman to drive away safely. Following the incident, the woman called the police from a nearby tire shop to report the behavior.
Authorities confirmed that surveillance cameras at the Food Lion did not capture the altercation. However, the woman was able to provide a description of her assailant, noting that he had commented on her tattoos during the encounter. Law enforcement officials have since indicated that they plan to show her a photo lineup, which includes at least one person of interest who had been questioned earlier at a nearby Enmarket.
In a related investigation, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is currently awaiting the results from a DNA swab taken from the woman’s leg, which may assist in identifying her assailant. The sheriff’s office is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in the area.
This incident follows a separate case involving a Bluffton resident, Taylor McMullen, who was recently charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct for an unrelated incident that occurred on February 19 at a spa in Hilton Head Island. McMullen was arrested after he admitted to inappropriately touching a female client during a massage session. After his arrest at a Bluffton spa where he also worked, he was booked at the Beaufort County Detention Center and later released on his own recognizance.
In addition to these incidents, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has been actively seeking assistance in identifying suspects related to petty larceny and financial transaction card fraud that occurred on February 17. These suspects were captured on security footage stealing a woman’s wallet from her purse at a Food Lion grocery store in Okatie. After the theft, they attempted to use the stolen bank cards at multiple locations. The sheriff’s office encourages anyone with information regarding these suspects to contact Cpl. Johnson or Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry, where potential cash rewards may be offered for information leading to their apprehension.
The recent events have raised concerns in the local community about safety and awareness in public spaces. Residents are reminded to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior to the authorities immediately.
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Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today: Bluffton Man Charged with Sexual Assault During Massage
- Wikipedia: Criminal Sexual Conduct
- Bluffton Today: Incident Report
- Google Search: Sexual Assault Law
- Bluffton Today: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Petty Larceny Case
- Google Scholar: Criminal Law Petty Larceny
- Bluffton Today: Sheriff’s Office Seeking Assistance with Suspects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Safety
- Bluffton Today: Community Safety Concerns Raised After Recent Incidents
- Google News: Bluffton SC Safety
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
