Myrtle Beach Babysitter Fights Off Kidnapping Attempt
In an alarming incident that shook the Myrtle Beach area, a babysitter found herself in a harrowing situation while trying to protect a child from a potential kidnapping. The event unfolded on Wednesday evening, and the details are as shocking as they are heartwarming, showcasing the quick thinking of an ordinary person in extraordinary circumstances.
The Scene of the Incident
According to reports from the police, the babysitter was looking after a child at an apartment on Halyard Drive when things took a dangerous turn. At around 7:30 PM, a man, later identified as Joshua James McElwain, started banging on the door, causing quite a commotion. Imagine being in that apartment, heart racing because someone is trying to break down the door — it’s a nightmare scenario!
With no time to waste, the babysitter quickly whisked the child away to a back bedroom for safety. Unfortunately, her efforts to shield the little one were met with violence. The man, McElwain, broke through the door, allegedly striking her in the face upon entering. Can you believe that? It’s a sickening thought that someone would resort to such actions!
A Brave Escape
Despite the shocking blow, the babysitter displayed remarkable bravery. She managed to scoop up the child and rush toward the door. As she was making her escape, McElwain struck her again. Thankfully, another person witnessed the chaos, which could potentially help in bringing the situation to justice.
It’s worth mentioning that McElwain had no legal right to be there or to the child. The exact relationship between McElwain and the child remains unclear, but it raises a lot of questions. Who knows what could have happened if the babysitter hadn’t acted as quickly as she did?
Police Response
When the police arrived at the scene, they found the babysitter shaken but unharmed. The authorities wasted no time, apprehending McElwain shortly after the incident. Now, he is facing some serious charges, including burglary, kidnapping, and assault and battery. For a community that treasures safety, this is a major wake-up call.
McElwain is currently being held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center without bond. It’s a relief to know that he’s behind bars, but the scars of such an event linger on. The thought of someone attempting to kidnap a child in our beloved Myrtle Beach is unsettling to say the least.
Supporting Our Community
In moments like this, it’s so important for us to come together as a community. It reminds us that even in the most tranquil places like Myrtle Beach, we need to be aware of our surroundings and the safety of our children. If you’re a parent or a caregiver, maybe it’s a good time to remind the little ones about safety policies at home. Always make sure doors are locked and encourage kids to never open the door for strangers.
As we take a deep breath and continue our daily lives, let’s keep our hearts with the babysitter and the child involved in this perilous episode. Her quick actions likely made all the difference, reinforcing the real truth that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
Stay safe out there, Myrtle Beach! We’re all part of a beautiful community, and it’s up to us to look after each other.
