COLUMBIA, S.C. — Ashlyn Watkins, a forward for the South Carolina national championship-winning basketball team, was arrested Saturday on charges of assault, battery, and kidnapping.
Richland County online judicial records indicate that Watkins was released on a $30,000 personal recognizance bond. She has been ordered to avoid any direct or indirect contact with the unnamed victim. The records do not list an attorney representing Watkins.
Under the court’s order, Watkins must remain 1,000 feet away from the victim’s home, workplace, school, and place of worship. However, she is allowed to travel out of state for basketball games and practices.
Watkins is scheduled to appear in court on October 25.
According to a warrant filed by the University of South Carolina Police Department and obtained by WLTX-TV, Watkins allegedly assaulted the victim by “forcefully grabbing her face, pulling her arms, and pushing her.” The warrant also accuses Watkins of picking up the victim against her will and carrying her, controlling her movements by grabbing her head and forcing her to walk down a hallway.
The victim managed to escape and activated a fire alarm, prompting a response from police and fire personnel. The warrant notes that the victim received treatment for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
