Babysitter assaulted while protecting child from kidnapping in Myrtle Beach area
A babysitter was struck in the face while trying to protect a child from being kidnapped Wednesday in the Myrtle Beach area.
A Myrtle Beach man, Joshua James McElwain, was arrested in the incident. He was charged with burglary, kidnapping and assault and battery.
Horry County Police responded about 7:30 p.m. to a call made by the babysitter, who told officers that she was caring for the child for another person who was not home at the time when a man showed up at the apartment on Halyard Drive and began pounding on the door, a police report said.
McElwain busted through the door and the woman took the child in the back bedroom once he entered the residence, according to the report.
Once inside the apartment, McElwain allegedly hit the woman in the face. The victim was able to pick up the child and carry her outside the apartment, the report said. While carrying the child out of the apartment, McElwain allegedly assaulted the woman again.
Another person witnessed the incident, the report said.
McElwain had no legal right to the child, according to the report. It is unclear what relationship he has to the child.
McElwain remains in the J. Reuben Long Detention Center without bond.
