Man arrested for attacking woman in Hilton Head Walmart bathroom, police say
Police say they arrested an armed man on several felony charges after an attempted sexual assault early Saturday morning in the bathroom of Hilton Head Island’s Walmart.
Varnville resident Joshua Allan Mayfield, 35, was charged Monday morning with assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, second-degree burglary, a felony gun possession charge and two counts of pointing and presenting firearms at a person.
The attack happened around 4:45 a.m. Saturday, more than an hour before the north-island Walmart was set to open for the day. After forcing his way into the store, Mayfield entered the women’s restroom, pointed a gun at the victim and attempted to sexually assault her, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. The victim “courageously fought off her attacker,” police said. A 78-year-old man who heard the struggle then entered the restroom to offer assistance. Mayfield allegedly pointed the gun at the man before fleeing the store.
Police later identified the suspect as Mayfield and obtained his arrest warrants. He was arrested Sunday morning after being pulled over by the Beaufort Police Department, who had received information about the suspect from deputies.
Mayfield also faces misdemeanor charges of marijuana possession, driving without a license and failure to maintain proof of insurance, according to inmate records.
He remained in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center as of Monday morning. His bond information was not immediately available.
Anyone with more information about this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Whitlock at 843-255-3443. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County, the P3 Tips mobile app or by calling 844-847-7238 (844-TIPS-BFT).
