News Summary
Austin Jared Radel, age 39, was apprehended on Hilton Head Island after a five-hour search led by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Radel faces charges of third-degree assault and battery related to an incident at a local gas station. His arrest followed a bench warrant issued due to non-compliance with court orders, raising public safety concerns in the community. Local authorities urge residents to report suspicious activity as they continue to enforce safety and justice in the region.
Hilton Head Island – Austin Jared Radel, a 39-year-old man, was arrested on Hilton Head Island on Tuesday evening around 8 p.m. following a five-hour manhunt conducted by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. The search began shortly before 3 p.m. in the vicinity of Squire Pope, Wild Horse, and Gumtree Roads.
Radel faces charges of third-degree assault and battery by mob, a misdemeanor in South Carolina. This charge is associated with an assault incident that occurred at a Circle K gas station located on Lagoon Road near Coligny Beach Park in August 2024. The charge carries a penalty of up to one year in prison.
The arrest comes after a bench warrant was issued for Radel’s apprehension on May 7 due to his failure to comply with court orders and pay fines while out on bond. Radel had previously been arrested in January for an illegal lane change at the intersection of U.S. 278 and Whooping Crane Way. During that traffic stop, deputies found that he had an active arrest warrant connected to the August incident, as well as a suspended driver’s license since December 25 due to unpaid traffic fines.
During the five-hour search, Radel was described as standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 165 pounds. At the time of his apprehension, he was seen wearing a white shirt, gray pants, and a black hat. Law enforcement officers successfully located him after extensive efforts to locate and arrest him.
The circumstances surrounding Radel’s assault charge date back to a mob assault that raised public concern in Hilton Head Island last summer. Witnesses at the gas station had reported Radel’s involvement in an altercation that resulted in bodily injury to another individual. The severity of the situation prompted local authorities to pursue charges against him aggressively, highlighting the community’s zero-tolerance stance on violence and disturbances.
The escalation of Radel’s legal troubles demonstrates a series of recurring issues related to compliance with the law. His missed court date and subsequent inaction contributed to the issuance of the bench warrant, emphasizing a pattern of disregard for legal obligations that ultimately led to the law enforcement response.
Law enforcement officials continue to encourage community members to report any suspicious activity, reminding residents of Hilton Head Island that quick action can lead to resolutions in instances of violence and criminal behavior. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring public safety as they manage ongoing investigations and enforce justice in the region.
As this case develops, it emphasizes the importance of following court orders and the consequences of non-compliance. The legal system will determine the next steps for Radel as he faces these charges in court.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Austin Jared Radel Wanted
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- WTOC: Beaufort Co. Investigating Teacher-Student Relationship
- Google Search: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
- Island Packet: South Carolina News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- ABC News 4: Hilton Head Island Shooting Suspect Arrested
- Google News: Hilton Head Island Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
