Hilton Head Island, August 16, 2025
News Summary
Austin Radel, a 39-year-old from Hilton Head Island, was arrested in connection with a violent convenience store assault that occurred on August 30, 2024. Radel, who was stopped for a traffic violation, is facing multiple charges, including third-degree assault and battery by mob. During his arrest, he displayed disorderly conduct, prompting law enforcement intervention. The incident involved a severe beating of a 45-year-old victim, and authorities are still searching for a second suspect involved in the attack.
Hilton Head Island Man Arrested for Role in 2024 Convenience Store Beating; Second Suspect Still Unidentified
A traffic stop on New Year’s Day led to the arrest of Austin Radel, a 39-year-old resident of Hilton Head Island. Radel is facing multiple charges, including third-degree assault and battery by mob, driving under suspension, and public disorderly conduct. His arrest is connected to a violent altercation that occurred outside a Circle K gas station near Coligny Beach Park on August 30, 2024.
Radel was pulled over by law enforcement just after 10 p.m. on Wednesday for illegally changing lanes near U.S. 278 and Whooping Crane Way. During the traffic stop, he disclosed that he did not possess his license, registration, or insurance and refused to exit the vehicle, resulting in the deputy having to assist him out of the car. Radel reacted angrily, verbally assaulting the officer.
At the time of his arrest, Radel was found to have an active warrant related to the assault from August. His driver’s license had been suspended just days earlier on December 25 due to his failure to pay a prior traffic ticket.
Details of the August Incident
The incident which led to Radel’s arrest involved a 45-year-old man who endured severe injuries after being attacked by two suspects at the Circle K convenience store. The victim was on his bicycle when he was approached; one suspect distracted him while the other delivered a physical assault. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the assailants, described as two white males, struck the victim repeatedly, including using a ‘soccer ball kick’ to the face.
Surveillance footage from the store supported the observations of the witness, showcasing the suspects congregating in a nearby parking lot before launching the attack. Reports indicate that the motive behind this violence stemmed from an earlier comment made by the victim to one suspect’s romantic partner around eight months prior to the incident.
Legal Proceedings and Background
Radel was held for five days at the Beaufort County Jail and subsequently released on a $5,000 surety bond. He has a history of legal troubles, including prior convictions for shoplifting, public disorderly conduct, and offenses pertaining to open containers in Beaufort County. Under South Carolina law, the charge of third-degree assault and battery by mob falls under a misdemeanor, which can result in a prison sentence of up to one year.
Investigators remain engaged in efforts to identify and apprehend the second suspect involved in the August attack, underscoring ongoing community safety concerns stemming from this violent encounter.
Summary of Key Points
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Suspect Arrested | Austin Radel, 39 |
| Charges | Third-degree assault and battery by mob, driving under suspension, public disorderly conduct |
| Incident Date | August 30, 2024 |
| Traffic Stop Date | January 1, 2025 |
| Victim’s Age | 45 years old |
| Witness Accounts | Two assailants involved, severe beating |
| Bond Amount | $5,000 surety bond |
| Legal Context | Third-degree assault and battery by mob is a misdemeanor |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against Austin Radel?
Austin Radel faces charges of third-degree assault and battery by mob, driving under suspension, and public disorderly conduct.
What happened during the August 30 incident?
On August 30, 2024, a 45-year-old man was assaulted by two suspects outside a Circle K gas station. One suspect distracted him while the other attacked him, resulting in severe injuries.
Is there still a second suspect at large?
Yes, investigators are still working to identify and locate the second suspect involved in the August attack.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Island Crime News
- ABC News 4: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office
- WSAV: Hilton Head Woman Robbed
- Live 5 News: Wanted Man Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime in South Carolina
- Google Search: Hilton Head Crime News
- Island Packet: South Carolina News
- Fox 9: Hilton Head Shark Attack
- WTOC: Man Airlifted After Alligator Attack
- Google News: Beaufort County Crime Incident
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
