Woman calls ‘screaming for help’ after reported rape on St. Helena Island

A woman reported she was raped by an unknown man early Wednesday morning on St. Helena Island, Beaufort County Sheriff’s deputies said.

The woman called dispatch around 6:15 a.m. and was “screaming for help,” according to Lt. Col. Bill Neill. She told a dispatcher that “someone was chasing her” in the area of Penn Center Road and MLK Drive, Neill said.

When a deputy arrived, he found the woman barefoot. She told the deputy that a man had raped her a few hours prior on a dirt road in the area, Neill said.

Neill said the woman was unable to immediately provide a detailed description of the man and was taken to Beaufort Memorial Hospital for treatment.

A perimeter was established in the area to search for any evidence. Deputies recovered some of the woman’s belongings and a pistol but did not find the alleged assailant, Neill said.

Deputies left the area by 9:45 a.m., according to a Sheriff’s Office news release. There is no concern for public safety, the release said.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Sgt. Brandon Disbrow at 843-255-3407. Anonymous tips may be made to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-888-CrimeSC.

This story was originally published December 27, 2017 at 8:01 AM with the headline "Woman calls ‘screaming for help’ after reported rape on St. Helena Island."