Man tied up with garbage bags after exposing himself in Taco Bell rampage, SC cops say

A 24-year-old South Carolina man fled the scene of an “intentional hit-and-run accident” to a nearby Taco Bell, where he began exposing himself, and assaulting customers, including a pregnant woman, local authorities say, according to WSPA.

Matthew Scott Russell racked up over a dozen charges Monday in a roughly half-hour period, before customers were able to restrain him, tying his hands behind his back with garbage bags, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office told the Spartanburg Herald Journal.

Police say Russell was under the influence of drugs and alcohol during the incident, Fox Carolina reported.

Inside the restaurant, police say Russell allegedly punched a customer, attempted to kiss a pregnant woman and touch her stomach, and at one point took off his pants and began humping a customer’s leg, according to the Spartanburg Herald Journal.

Police say a customer also put Russell in a trash can in an attempt to stop him, according to the Spartanburg Herald Journal.

Customers were quick to call the authorities and did eventually subdue Russell, holding him until help arrived, police say, according to WSPA.

“I commend the citizens and employees for the way they handled the situation. They appropriately restrained him, but, at the same time, they did not assault him,” Lt. Kevin Bobo of the sheriff’s office told the TV station. “The temptation would have been very strong to make the matters worse and they didn’t.”

Russell is facing charges including assault, indecent exposure, public disorderly conduct and false information, according to Fox Carolina.

Police accuse Russell of giving them a pair of false names before giving them his actual name, Fox Carolina reported.

This story was originally published March 5, 2020 at 10:45 AM with the headline "Man tied up with garbage bags after exposing himself in Taco Bell rampage, SC cops say."