News Summary
Austin Radel, a 39-year-old man from Hilton Head Island, has been arrested in connection with a violent assault that took place last summer outside a convenience store. The incident involved two attackers and resulted in severe injuries to the victim. Authorities are still searching for a second suspect, while Radel faces multiple charges, including third-degree assault and battery by mob. He was released on a $5,000 bond after his arrest during a traffic stop.
Hilton Head Island – A Hilton Head Island man has been arrested in connection with a violent assault that occurred last summer outside a local convenience store. Austin Radel, 39, was taken into custody following a traffic stop on New Year’s Day, where it was revealed that he had an active warrant for his arrest linked to the brutal attack that took place on August 30, 2024.
Radel faces multiple charges, including third-degree assault and battery by mob, driving under suspension, and public disorderly conduct. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is still searching for a second suspect involved in the assault, who has not yet been identified.
The traffic stop occurred just after 10 p.m. when Radel’s burgundy Mercedes was pulled over for changing lanes unlawfully. Upon questioning, Radel could not provide his driver’s license, registration, or proof of insurance, and he resisted leaving his vehicle. The arresting deputy had to unbuckle Radel’s seat belt in order to remove him from the car. During the encounter, Radel verbally responded with anger and used profanity.
Radel’s driver’s license was suspended just days prior, on December 25, 2023, due to unpaid traffic tickets. The arresting officer discovered an outstanding warrant for Radel, linked to the violent incident at the Circle K gas station on Lagoon Road, approximately a quarter-mile from Coligny Beach Park.
The original attack involved a 45-year-old man who was approached by two assailants while he was walking his bicycle. One suspect initiated the confrontation by asking the victim if he “remembered” him, while the other stated that he merely wanted to talk. Following this, the assailants struck the victim, causing him to fall to the ground, after which they continued to punch and kick him. The victim sustained a significant injury, which included a 1-inch gash near his eye and had blood covering his face. Eyewitnesses corroborated the victim’s account, noting that he was attacked by two white males who delivered closed punches and a “soccer ball kick” to his face.
Surveillance footage from the convenience store confirmed critical details from the assault, showing the two individuals exiting a red Ford SUV before confronting the victim. According to the victim, the assault appears to have stemmed from a prior incident where he had made a comment about one of the assailants’ romantic partner eight months earlier.
Following his arrest, Radel was released from jail five days later after posting a $5,000 surety bond. His prior criminal record in Beaufort County includes various offenses such as shoplifting, public disorderly conduct, and violations concerning open containers. If convicted of third-degree assault and battery by mob, Radel could face a maximum of one year in prison under South Carolina law.
Authorities continue to investigate the case to identify the second suspect involved in the assault. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding the incident or the unidentified assailant to come forward.
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Additional Resources
- AOL News
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Hilton Head crime
- Fox News
- Google Scholar: Hilton Head shark attack
- WJCL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
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