19-year-old Luke Chafin faces multiple charges following downtown Charleston assault sparked by confrontation after teens allegedly spit on woman

Charleston, South Carolina – In a violent encounter on Sunday evening in downtown Charleston, a 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses following an assault that left one victim hospitalized. The Charleston Police Department is actively seeking two additional suspects believed to be involved in the incident.

Read also: Berkeley County deputies arrest two 18-year-olds after vehicle theft turns into armed foot pursuit, uncovering illegally altered weapons in the process

The assault occurred around 8:15 p.m. near the intersection of King Street and Calhoun Street, an area typically bustling with locals and tourists alike. According to police reports, the confrontation began after a group of teenagers allegedly spit on a woman. Her companion confronted the teens, which escalated quickly as he was then reportedly punched and kicked by multiple individuals.

Luke Chafin, a Hanahan resident, has been identified and apprehended by the police in connection with this assault. He faces several charges including assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, two counts of third-degree assault and battery, possession of a fake ID, and being a minor in possession of alcohol. Following a brief pursuit, officers arrested Chafin, though they believe at least two other individuals were involved in the attack.

The victim, whose identity has not been released, was taken to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. He is currently receiving medical care for his injuries.

In their ongoing efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects, the Charleston Police have released surveillance images of the two other individuals believed to be part of the incident. These images are being circulated in hopes that members of the public can assist in identifying them.

Read also: Charleston County launches cutting-edge 911 call handling system with real-time voice-to-text, live video sharing, and multilingual support to boost emergency response

As of Monday afternoon, Chafin was being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center. A judge has set his bond at a total of $42,663.00 across all charges.

The Charleston Police Department is urging anyone who might recognize the individuals in the released surveillance photos or who has any information about the incident to contact them at 843-720-2422. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are determined to hold all individuals accountable for their roles in the assault.