Charleston Police arrest man accused of attempting to assault person at gym

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Officers with the Charleston Police Department have arrested a man in connection to a sexual assault attempt at a gym in West Ashley.

Richard Isiah Whitney, 25, is charged with assault with third-degree intent to commit criminal sexual conduct, according to jail records.

Police were called to the Planet Fitness at 2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday after a gym member reported being followed into a private area and a man attempted to assault them sexually, police spokesman Sgt. Chris Stinson said.

The victim was able to get away from the suspect and report the incident to the police.

Investigators identified Whitney as the suspect and arrested him on Saturday.

Whitney was booked at the Al Cannon Detention Center and has since been released on a $5,000 bond.

Police said the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with any information is asked to contact the Charleston Police Department at 843-720-2422 and request to speak with the on-duty Central Detective or e-mail speaktocpd@charleston-sc.gov.

Planet Fitness has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding a previous complaint about Whitney that was mentioned in the incident report from police.