News Summary
A 46-year-old woman, Maria Hernandez, was violently attacked by two masked robbers while withdrawing money from an ATM in Hilton Head. The incident, occurring late at night, left her with severe injuries and emotional trauma. Following the assault, the local community has come together to support her and raise awareness about ATM safety due to an increase in similar crimes in the area.
Hilton Head Woman Brutally Assaulted During ATM Heist
In a shocking turn of events, a 46-year-old woman was assaulted while withdrawing money from an ATM on Hilton Head Island. The incident took place on December 20 around 10 p.m. as Maria Hernandez was unsuspectingly driving away from the Bank of America ATM when two masked robbers struck.
A Night Turned Nightmare
The calm night quickly transformed into a scene of horror when two figures approached Maria’s vehicle, brandishing a knife. They pushed their way into her space and threw a punch, hitting her in the head. To make matters worse, the assailants poured a chemical on her, leading to painful burns on her chest, shoulder, and arm. The brutality of the attack left Maria both physically and emotionally scarred.
A Mother’s Ongoing Fear
The gripping fear experienced by Maria since that fateful night is hard to fathom. As a mother of six children, she now constantly worries about her safety and, by extension, the safety of her children. The aftermath of the attack reverberates throughout her entire family, casting a shadow over their lives. Maria, who had been living in Hilton Head for nearly 20 years after moving from California and originally hailing from Mexico, never imagined that her home could turn into a scene of such violence.
Coping with Pain and Trauma
Since the attack, Maria has undergone two skin graft surgeries to treat her severe injuries. Even though she managed to escape her attackers and call for help, the physical pain remains an ongoing nightmare. Exhausting sleepless nights filled with haunting memories of that evening plague her mind, leaving her grappling with emotional trauma that has profoundly changed her life.
The Impact on Family and Community
In addition to the physical toll, Maria’s financial situation has been affected. During the robbery, not only were her Christmas gifts stolen, but so was the cash she had just withdrawn. Nevertheless, community members have stepped in to provide a lifeline. A fundraiser was organized, aimed at supporting her family during this challenging time, a testament to the kindness of the Hilton Head community.
Concerns About ATM Safety
The sheriff’s office has revealed that robberies occurring at ATMs, like Maria’s tragic experience, are part of a worrying trend called “bank jugging”. This increasingly common crime involves robbers waiting for people to withdraw cash before attacking them. Unfortunately, in Maria’s case, there are no known suspects, and evidence is scarce, making it difficult for authorities to track down her assailants. Furthermore, police have received no reports of witnesses or surveillance footage that could assist in the investigation.
Continuing Challenges Ahead
As time passes, Maria’s health battles continue to unfold. She is presently still in recovery at the Medical University of South Carolina, a month after the harrowing incident. Fortunately, medical expenses may be covered through a victim’s assistance fund, but the emotional scars and sense of vulnerability remain deeply embedded in her psyche.
A Community United
Maria’s plea for justice resonates with many, as she hopes the attackers will be caught soon. Disturbingly, she voiced disappointment that passing drivers did not stop to assist her during the attack, raising serious questions about community engagement in emergencies. In a different incident from February 2019, three teenagers were charged in a robbery at an ATM in Hilton Head, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding ATM safety in the area.
A Plea for Protection
The chilling reality of ATM assaults in Hilton Head underscores the need for increased public awareness and vigilant safety measures. As Maria continues her recovery journey, her story brings attention to significant community concerns, encouraging everyone to look out for one another and remain vigilant while navigating their everyday lives.
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Additional Resources
- WSAV: Hilton Head Woman Robbed and Burned
- Wikipedia: Robbery
- ABC News 4: Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Seeking Leads
- Google Search: ATM Safety
- Island Packet: Hilton Head Crime News
- Google Scholar: ATM Robbery
- Fox 28: Hilton Head ATM Robbery Suspects Charged
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- The State: South Carolina Crime News
- Google News: Hilton Head Crime
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.
