WEST ASHLEY — A man arrested on suspicion of sexual assault at a Planet Fitness has been released on bail.
According to a press release, the suspect, Richard Whitney, 25, of Charleston, was taken into custody on July 27 and charged with assault with criminal sexual intent.
Whitney was released from the Al Cannon Detention Center on July 28 on $5,000 bail, according to Charleston County inmate records.
According to a supplemental report from the Charleston Police Department, on July 24 around 10:30 p.m., a woman was working out when Whitney approached her and commented on how attractive she was.
Despite her requests to be left alone, Whitney continued to follow her through several rooms within the gym.
On one occasion, he followed her to a small private room and made inappropriate comments while touching her sexually.
The woman reportedly pushed him away and ran from the gym to her car, with Whitney chasing her outside.
The woman left the scene and returned several hours later to report the incident to Planet Fitness management.
Management was not on site at the time, but a front-of-house employee identified Whitney by name and noted that a previous sexual harassment report had been filed against him.
The Charleston Police Department is investigating the incident and asks anyone with information to contact the detective on duty at 843-720-2422 or email speaktocpd@charleston-sc.gov.
