Attempted sexual assault sends Bluffton woman to hospital. Suspect at large

A Bluffton woman was found around midnight Friday night crying for help by Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deputies following an attempted sexual assault, according to a Sheriff’s Office report.

The woman was reportedly walking her dog when she was approached by a black male suspect who punched her in the face, threw her to the ground, and began trying to rip her clothes off, the report says. He told the victim he was planning to sexually assault her according to the report. Authorities believe the assault happened near an access road behind Bluestone Apartments.

The woman’s dog became aggressive towards the assailant and scared him off as he was attempting to remove her clothes, the report says. He fled in an unknown direction.

The suspect, who is still at large, was wearing a black or dark hooded sweatshirt and gloves according to the report, but height, weight and other identifying features are unknown at this time. Those features will be released as they become available, the report states.

The woman was transported by ambulance to an area hospital and treated for injuries sustained in the assault attempt, the report states. She has since been released.

Anyone who was in the vicinity of Bluestone Apartments Friday night who might have seen something, or who can help at all in identifying the suspect, is asked to call Sheriff's Office Emergency Dispatch 9-1-1 or Sergeant Seth Reynells at (843) 255-3709. If you would like to stay anonymous and potentially be considered for a reward, you can call CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC.

The Sheriff’s Office urges residents in and around the area of Bluestone Apartments to use caution when outside at night. Walk in well lit areas or travel in pairs or groups, and report any suspicious activity immediately.

This story was originally published November 4, 2017 at 12:34 PM with the headline "Attempted sexual assault sends Bluffton woman to hospital. Suspect at large."