Charleston Court Drama: Kidnapping and Assault Case Against Local Man Intensifies

Charleston Court Drama: Kidnapping and Assault Case Against Andrew Mettal Continues

It’s been a tense few months in Charleston, as the city keeps a close eye on the ongoing legal battle involving a local man, Andrew Mettal, accused of some very serious crimes. On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Mettal, 28, left the courtroom after a significant bond hearing that saw the judge deny requests for reduced charges. The case has gripped the community since it became public earlier this year.

The Incident That Shook the College Town

The storm of allegations dates back to February, when a 20-year-old College of Charleston student reported that she had been kidnapped and assaulted after a night out at the Republic Garden & Lounge, a popular upscale nightclub on King Street. According to reports, the young woman was approached by Mettal on a downtown sidewalk after leaving the club, and things quickly spiraled out of control.

During a preliminary hearing on December 18, defense attorney Jason King pushed for the charges against Mettal to be dismissed or at least downgraded. He argued that the woman left the club willingly with Mettal. However, Assistant Solicitor Denton Matthews stepped in firmly, highlighting that consent can be revoked at any moment. The young woman made multiple pleas to be let out of Mettal’s vehicle as he allegedly drove her towards Hollywood, South Carolina.

A Disturbing Timeline

It gets dark from here. The victim even managed to call her boyfriend from inside the car, asking for help while Mettal was driving. According to testimonies, the boyfriend followed Mettal’s BMW while on the phone, and a friend of his called 911, creating a chaotic three-way conversation using the phone call. Mettal reportedly snatched the victim’s phone and tossed it out of the car, dismissing her desperate requests to stop at a gas station.

The journey took a sinister turn when Mettal allegedly pulled over along a remote dirt road, where the assault took place. Investigators later found the area around that location to be “disturbed,” and collected crucial evidence including the young woman’s purse and a vape pen. Furthermore, a sexual assault examination revealed physical injuries consistent with the woman’s claims. Notably, Mettal’s saliva was found on her body—a piece of evidence that could play a critical role in the ongoing case.

Surveillance and Evidence Connect Mettal

Authorities have been diligent in piecing together the timeline of events leading up to the assault. Surveillance footage from both King Street and Highway 17 captured Mettal’s BMW with a fraudulent temporary license plate. Phone records linking Mettal and the victim’s devices solidified their whereabouts before she was separated from her phone.

Interestingly, King claimed during the hearing that the student had expressed a desire to stay out after leaving the club, refuting the idea of the evening having taken a dangerous turn. The club, which has gained fame through its feature in the cable reality show “Southern Hospitality,” adds an intriguing layer to the incident. However, prosecutors have pointed out that earlier footage showed Mettal engaging in behavior that could be construed as “stalking.” When the victim later spoke to investigators, she reflected on her decision to get into Mettal’s car, calling it a “stupid mistake.”

The Road Ahead

With Mettal being held without bail since his arrest, the community holds its breath as this chilling case progresses through the legal system. As the Charleston area watches closely, the hearing revealed how quickly an ordinary night can turn into a nightmare. The quest for justice continues for the young woman involved, as both sides prepare to present their cases in a courtroom that has seen its share of drama.

For more updates as this story develops, stay tuned, and let’s hope for a resolution that brings peace to everyone involved.