Ashlyn Watkins arrested, charged with assault and kidnapping

By Daniel Johnson

September 2, 2024

According to the Associated Press, the arrest warrant accuses Watkins, a 6-foot-3 woman, of “grabbing the victim by the head.” Watkins allegedly “forced her to walk down the hallway, thereby controlling her movements and preventing her from exiting.”

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Ashlyn Watkins, a key player on the South Carolina women’s basketball team that won a national championship, was arrested Aug. 31 and charged with first-degree assault, battery and kidnapping.

According to the Associated Press, the 6-foot-3 Watkins was accused in an arrest warrant of “grabbing the victim by the head.” Watkins allegedly “forced her to walk down a hallway, thereby controlling her movements and preventing her from exiting.”

According to multiple arrest warrants issued for Watkins, the unnamed victim, who was described as a minor, was eventually able to break free from Watkins’ grasp and pull the fire alarm at the student center on the South Carolina campus. When police and firefighters arrived on the scene as a result of the victim’s actions, the victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The arrest warrants also state that Watkins was read her rights and admitted to the crimes she is now charged with.

According to WLTXAt a bond hearing later on Aug. 31, prosecutors argued the two knew each other. Watkins was ultimately granted $30,000 personal recognizance bail and released around 3:30 p.m. that same day.

Watkins’ attorney, Todd Rutherford, told the outlet that once all the facts are released, it will be clear that Watkins is innocent.